Partial Fingered Gloves for Football or Golf Play

ABSTRACT

According to the various features characteristics and embodiments of the present invention which will become apparent as the description thereof proceeds, the present invention provides partially fingered gloves and the use of said gloves, intended to increase the overall performance in sports activities including but limited to football and golf. Because of its unique finger configurations, grip enhancers, and/or its hand protective properties, the present invention makes a glove now operable on a football quarterback&#39;s throwing hand and on golfers dominant hand, for example.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to sports apparatus and equipment, anduses thereof, used in playing the game of various sports. The presentinvention and its multi-sport glove embodiments enhance the overallperformance in athletic tasks and/or execution commonly associatedduring sports play, particularly in, but not limited to, football andgolf by configuring to meet the specific requirements of a footballquarterback's throwing hand and a golfer's dominant hand, for example.The present invention finger configurations completely cover the thumband forefinger of a user's hand. Additionally, the present inventionleaves essentially completely uncovered the user's ring finger, pinkiefinger and middle finger.

Furthermore, the present invention offers improvements in the form ofgrip enhancers on the palm area, the thumb segment and/or on theexisting forefinger segment. Additionally, the present invention mayoffer protective properties on the dorsal segment of the glove.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

An important goal in playing sports in to win. Often that means properplay execution, good ball control, good grip and feel, and proper formin the sports fundamentals. Gloves and other types of hand covers arepermitted in most sports. Many individuals use gloves to enhance, insome way, their competitive edge. Indeed, gloves have become soimportant that different types of gloves have been created for differentsports. Even within a sport, different types of gloves have beeninvented to, among other things, maximize performance in specific tasks.

In football, for example, there are gloves that offensive and defensiveTackles can wear, that have thick padding around part of the hand.Offensive Receivers can purchase more expensive, all closed-finger, thingloves to enhance their ability to catch and grip a football.

The use of gloves in football is so widespread that nearly everyfootball player uses them, with the notable exception of footballquarterbacks. You rarely see a quarterback wear gloves, even if just tokeep warm. Most quarterbacks choose to play football without gloves,especially on their dominant (throwing) hand. This is largely becauseprior art consists of generic full-fingered gloves which areuncomfortable and burdensome on a quarterback's throwing hand,particularly on those fingers a quarterback places over the footballlaces. In addition, the full-fingered gloves prevent a quarterback tohave any significant ‘feel’ of the football.

This ability to feel is critical when playing the position ofquarterback. When the quarterback receives the ball from the teammateplaying the Center position, the quarterback especially during a passplay, has to quickly find the laces on the football by feeling and notlooking at the football. The quarterback has to look for an open playerto pass to, and cannot therefore look down at the football to find thefootball laces.

This need to ‘feel’ a ball with a hand has therefore resulted inquarterbacks having to make a difficult choice. Although clearly theseplayers would benefit from added grip enhancers on the throwing hand toincrease their passing receptions or to decrease fumbles, for example,prior art gloves force a quarterback to choose between all feel and nofeel. Virtually all quarterbacks have chosen to maintain feel andtherefore sacrifice the ability to better grip the football. It is nosurprise that quarterback fumbles remain a significant problem infootball, even at the highest performance levels, and currently remainsan insoluble problem in the sport for amateurs and professionals alike.

Playing the position of quarterback without the help of gloves, however,can also be an inferior choice. The website Wikihow.com provides a gooddescription of the conventional way to hold and throw a football.“Throwing the football is simple. Put your non-throwing side foot infront of you. Have your pinkie, ring and middle fingers around the laceswith your Index [forefinger] finger on the strap. Put the other hand upon the ball. Put the ball up by your ear. Twist your hips toward thefront foot. Throw the ball at the receiver.”

Whereas the fingers over the laces have a solid grip on theball—primarily due to the football laces on the ball—the two fingers offthe laces (forefinger and thumb) are virtually unsupported and thereforehave a relatively weaker grip, creating a weak overall grip on thefootball (see FIG. 7 for an example of how a quarterback typically gripsa football).

This weak overall grip becomes more pronounced when added stress isplaced on the thumb or forefinger. When a quarterback, intending to passthe football, suddenly has to scramble, or if the quarterback ‘pumps’the ball (goes through all the motions and speed of throwing the ballbut doesn't actually release the ball), the grip strength of the thumband forefinger can determine whether or not a quarterback fumbles thefootball.

Unfortunately, one need only view the statistics to see that fumblespersist as an insoluble problem, even at the professional level today.In the 2010 National Football League (NFL) season, there were only tenplayers who had 9 or more fumbles in the season. All ten players werequarterbacks (The Official NFL Record & Fact Book, 2011).

Under the ‘tips’ section of Wikihow.com, it further describes properfootball throwing form: “A proper throw will feel like it's onlyutilizing the thumb, Index [forefinger], and middle finger. Good releasewill ‘roll’ off of your Index and middle finger, to impart more spin;you may snap your wrist through as you follow through to the hip. Theother three fingers on your hand stabilize the ball as its being flung.They should not be used to impart spin on the ball. The most importantfinger to throwing a spiral is the Index finger; it is the finger thatholds the most leverage in putting spin on the ball” [Emphasis added].The conventional way of playing the position of quarterback thereforerequires an ability to have solid grip and control with the forefinger,a finger that is not able to be placed over the football laces; theresulting glove-less grip creates a strong hold on the ball by all thefingers except the thumb as well as the forefinger—the most importantfinger when throwing a football. On a wet football field, during extremeweather conditions (hot or cold), that weaker or looser grip makes for amuch more difficult completed pass, less success at throwing a spiral,and inconsistency and inaccuracy in passing.

Passing the ball is a significant part of the sport of football,sometimes throwing as much as 103 times in a single game (e.g., Seattlevs. San Diego, 2002). Thus, developing a solution to enhance one'sability of better controlling a football and completing a pass receptionwould substantially impact the sport.

There have been some attempts through the years to solve the problems ofinconsistencies and turnovers in the sport of football. For example,changes have been made to the actual football in order to make the balleasier to handle. Changes to the shape and size, as well as the additionof grip enhancing materials to the ball—such as the addition of PVCdots—have made it possible to make the ball more grippable. The abilityof the quarterback to maintain control of the football was stillproblematic because of the lack of any grip enhancing device for theplayer to use; gloves that could be placed on the throwing hand suchthat the football quarterback could now more significantly control aball with his arm, thereby creating an overall grip of the footballthroughout the football. As a result of this unmet need, inconsistenciesand turnovers were still high in the sport.

The introduction and subsequent proliferation in the use of gloves foundsome success but even with these advancements, however, fumbles andincompletes still persist today, partly because none of the prior artgloves could be useful, and are therefore inoperable to quarterbacks.

Consequently, there is also a need for a sport glove of some kind whichpermits the quarterback to hold a football more securely. These problemsmay be addressed by providing a new sports glove that is configured toproperly address the grip and feel requirements of the throwing hand ofa quarterback.

Quarterbacks are also now starting to intentionally run more(hereinafter called ‘rushing’) with the football creating an evengreater need to configure a glove to meet the specific needs of aquarterback. New art is required that can offer superior grip enhancingabilities, critical not only in ball control, but also in quarterbackrushing successes.

Quarterback injuries can become a big problem in the sport, for example.Protecting the quarterback from injury is so important that rules havebeen established to try and minimize those injuries. Gloves have proveduseful in protecting other users, but prior art gloves have not beenconfigured for use by quarterbacks. To be sure, many quarterbackinjuries take place on the quarterback's throwing hand, primarily on theback portion of the hand, on the side of the hand or palm area, or onthe fingers of the throwing hand.

Prior art configuration problems cease to protect a quarterback'sthrowing hand. As is well known, repeated exposure to hand injury cancause damage to the systems of the hand, such as the nervous system, themuscular system or the skeletal system. Therefore, there is not only anopportunity for new art, but there an increasing concern and need tosolve this configuration problem, not only for professionals but alsofor children and teenagers playing this football position. Consequently,there is also a need for a protective sport glove of some kind whichpermits the quarterback to hold a football securely and still provideadequate protection of the throwing hand against impacts from opposingplayers.

Over the last decade or two, quarterbacks have increasingly chosen torush for yardage and act more like a running back at times. The top fiveNFC Conference quarterbacks, for example, rushed for a total of 1,562yards in the 2010 season. It is also no surprise, therefore, that therewere a total of 731 fumbles in the NFL that season, and fully over 25%of those fumbles were attributed to quarterbacks (2010 NFL Season). Asthis trend continues, especially with more popular offensive formationssuch as ‘the wildcat’ and ‘spread’ formation, these grip-enhancingshortcomings will undoubtedly be more pronounced. Previous failures ofothers to create gloves to support a quarterback's grip, not only whilethrowing the football but also while rushing with the football, isbecoming a growing significant problem in need of a solution.

Given the fact that fumbles and incomplete passes persist at theprofessional level and therefore certainly at the collegiate and amateurlevels, one can see that past attempts to solve these problems have hadlimited success, at least partly because prior art still have not solvedthe configuration problems. There is therefore a need for significantadvances in the sport of football to assist quarterbacks, a positionthat touches and controls the football more than any other position inthe sport. New art needs to be offered, such as the present invention,to meet the needs of quarterbacks by developing a glove that isconfigured to meet the unique needs of that position.

In the field of GOLF, to be sure, there exists much prior art in theform of gloves for a golfer's weak (non-dominant) hand. In fact, mostactive golf players wear a glove on their weak hand, and go without aglove for their strong hand (if one were to go to any major store to buygolf gloves, they would be sold and packaged in single—one glove—notsold in pairs). Gloves are prevalent in golf largely because of the rolethat hand grip plays in a golfer's overall performance.

Whereas weak-hand support products seem to be crowded in the sport ofGolf, there is a long existing need for a device that could offer addedsupport for a golfer's strong hand without significantly diminishing itsability to adequately feel the golf club. Inventing a solution to thisproblem could, among other things, allow for greater golf swing controland consistency, and create an entirely new market to support a golfer'sstrong-hand.

There is therefore, an opportunity to invent a device that could offersome ‘feel’ ability for the dominant hand, while significantly enhancingthe grip ability of that same hand. This would increase overall handcontrol of a golfer's club swing by allowing a golfer to have added gripcapabilities on both hands, and therefore greater success incompetition.

In Golf magazine's April 2005 article titled “Fix Your Grip,” golfinstructor Charlie King provides an overview of how to grip a golf club.“Good golf starts with your grip. The proper hold on the club helps youdo three crucial things: Hinge your wrists, control the clubface atimpact and support the club throughout the swing. Here are three simplegrip tips.” As King continues, his third tip is “both hands; solid atthe top. An effective grip sets the face square at the top, with theshaft parallel to the target line. You should feel most of the club'sweight in your left thumb and right forefinger. Now you're ready to turnit loose.” Although prior art seems to be crowded in offering a glovefor the weak-hand to support and better control the club weight placedon the thumb of the weak hand, there remains an unmet need for addedsupport on or around the forefinger of the strong (dominant) hand.Additionally, constant swinging of a golf club at real swing speedsoften results in soreness on and between the thumb and forefinger of agolfer's strong hand wearing no glove. This soreness can often also comefrom the rubbing or slipping between the club handle and the portionbetween the thumb and forefinger of the strong hand, suggesting a needto find a way to increase the grip of a golfer's strong hand. This isespecially important in the sport of golf because even the smallest ofslipping—during the golf swing or upon impact of the golf ball—cancreate enormous inconsistencies and inaccuracies, critical issues indetermining overall performance in golf.

A further reason why golfers are not using gloves on their dominant handhas to do with the fact that golf gloves are not uniquely configured tobest conform to a golfer's preferred golf grip. For example, golfers arenot using gloves on their dominant hand because the dominant hand'spinkie finger is often used to touch and feel the non-dominant hand whenholding the golf club using the traditional overlap grip; this is doneto help with the coordination of movement of both hands to preferablyact in unison throughout the golf swing. Therefore, at least a portionof the dominant hand's pinkie finger must be uncovered in order tomaintain necessary feel. Because the dominant hand is responsible formost of the feeling in the golf swing, it also becomes necessary tomaintain some level of high sensitivities on a portion of the dominanthand's ring finger and middle finger as well. A preferred configurationfor the golfer's strong hand would be, for example, a glove which couldincrease the grip capabilities of the dominant hand's thumb andforefinger, while offering some level of feel along the middle finger,the ring finger and the pinkie finger, thus offering the ability of awearer to simultaneously have significant grip and feel of a sportsapparatus such as football or golf club.

Consequently, there are clear indications that an entirely new marketexists for a device that could support a golfer's strong hand. Inparticular, there remains an unmet need that would provide multiplebenefits, such as better overall grip and more coordination with bothhands during the practice or play of golf, and in various other sportsactivities. The present invention solves the above mentioned problemsby, among other things, providing a glove configured for use on thedominant hand that can increase grip abilities on areas primarilyresponsible for the gripping a golf club, improving prior art gloves byoffering grip enhancers along critical areas of the glove, whileallowing portions of the other fingers to be uncovered and able tomaintain necessary feeling capabilities.

DETAIL DESCRIPTIONS OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides a glove having dorsal (back) and palmar(front) portions for overlaying respective back and palm regions of ahuman hand, and dorsal and palmar portions having distal and proximalends with a plurality of digital segments (or stalls) projecting fromsaid distal ends. Additionally, three separate openings or ringlets areprovided on said distal ends, such that a user's ring finger, pinkiefinger and middle finger may individually extend through said glove.

The glove includes a glove body having a back portion surface coveringthe back of the hand, and a front portion surface covering substantiallyall of the palm of the hand. The glove body includes one finger stall(or finger digital segment) and a thumb stall (or thumb digital segment)each adapted to receive a forefinger and thumb, respectively, therein.The glove body is configured such that the thumb and forefinger digitalsegments fully enclose said thumb and forefinger, including enclosingthe fingertips. Additionally, the glove body provides three separateopenings or ringlets such that a user's ring finger, pinkie finger andmiddle finger may individually extend through said glove body whenplaced on a user's hand, thereby allowing a user's pinkie finger, ringfinger and middle finger to be all essentially completely uncoveredwhile enclosing a user's thumb and forefinger.

In another preferred aspect, the present invention also comprises a GripEnhancing Means, such as a plurality of projections comprising of PVCdots, for example, on a portion or portions of the palmar surface areaof the glove, such as for example, on any thumb and finger stalls, alongany portion of any metacarpophalangeal joints of said glove body, and/orbetween the thumb and forefinger area, generally defined by themetacarpal of the forefinger and extending up along the metacarpal ofthe thumb, and therebetween.

In at least one embodiment, the entire palmar surface comprises of aGrip Enhancing Means throughout said palmar surface. The Grip EnhancingMeans permits the individual, for example, to better grip a ball or anobject or device, and can create, for example, a higher coefficient offriction on the select palmar portion of the glove compared to the restof the glove body. This could give, for example, a football quarterbackor a golfer multiple benefits such as increased control of a ball ordevice thereby enhancing performance and overall success at performing asports task.

Accordingly, embodiments provide a novel glove with added features thatenhances overall control in sports performance.

In another preferred aspect, the present invention also comprisesprotective properties to protect a user from injury or to protect aninjury. These protective properties can be in the form of a thickerdorsal segment compared to the palmar segment, or in stronger materialthat comprises the dorsal segment of the glove. Additionally oralternatively, a Shock-Absorbing Member or members, such as a paddedlayer or layers may be used so that the glove can be used to protect aninjury or to protect an area from being injured, for example.

The Shock-Absorbing Member or members are generally located on thedorsal segment of the glove, preferably covering at least a portion ofthe metacarpal of any of the four fingers and/or the thumb, and/or onsubstantially the dorsal portions of the thumb and/or on the existingforefinger segment, where many football injuries occur as a quarterbackthrows a football and is immediately hit by an opposing player. Also,some embodiments may have a Shock-Absorbing Member or members near andaround the wrist area, extending up to as much as about five inchesalong the carpal bone of the wrist of a user. The Shock-Absorbing Membermay generally be affixed to the outer surface of the glove dorsalsegment or may be integrally formed on the glove. If integrally formed,at least one embodiment may therefore include a liner.

The thickness and dorsal surface locations of the Shock-AbsorbingMembers may vary, of course, depending on preference. In at least oneembodiment the entire dorsal segment comprises a Shock-Absorbing Member,and the Shock-Absorbing Member can be one uniform cushion, for example,mirroring the design of the dorsal segment of the glove.

The Shock-Absorbing Member may comprise of a pad or pads, such as anyfoam or cotton-based fabric, for example that provides a cushion toprotect the selected areas of the hand. The Shock-Absorbing Member ispreferably at least six hundred micrometers in thickness; morepreferably the Shock-Absorbing Member is at least three millimeters inthickness.

Accordingly, embodiments also provide a novel glove with addedprotective features that enhances protection of a previously unprotectedquarterback's throwing hand, for example, including the back of thehand, the thumb and forefinger, and wrist areas, and combinationsthereof.

The glove may also have an expandable opening means at a wrist endadapted to receive the user's hand. This may comprise of a wrist portionwith a securement opening means, such as but not limited to a flap whichmechanically engages a flap capture mechanism to secure the glove to theusers hand (e.g., a synthetic hook and loop fastening interface whichadheres when pressed together, commonly using VELCRO). In this case theflap could overlay a small slit or opening along a portion of the gloveback overlaying the user's hand to allow the glove to widen when a userplaces the glove onto the hand. Alternatively, the opening means maycomprise of other standard used mechanisms of allowing a user to applyand disengage the glove, such as an elastic band material along thewrist portion.

Embodiments may also comprise of micro holes or micro recesses along anyportions of the glove, generally used on golf gloves and football glovesfor ventilation or moisture management purposes. These micro holes ormicro recesses are generally about 0.120 millimeters in diameter.

Construction of the present invention may be accomplished by standardmethods, such as, for example, by designing the dorsal and palm sectionsto meet along a conjoining lateral edge to define a pocket for receivingthe eminence of a user's hand, and sewing said sections together. Onesport where the present invention will clearly enhance performance is inthe sport of FOOTBALL. As previously discussed, wearing a glove can bevery advantageous, and is used by most athletes in most sportsactivities. Prior art gloves, as previously configured however, wereessentially inoperable on a football quarterback's throwing hand, or ona golfer's dominant hand. Using embodiments of the present invention nowallow a football quarterback to place his covered thumb and forefingeron the football and increase the grip by the glove embodiment and itstargeted grip enhancers, and be able maintain maximum tactile abilitiesby leaving unencumbered his middle finger, ring finger and pinkiefinger, for example. This configuration and other embodiments allow thequarterback the ability to place the uncovered middle finger, ringfinger and pinkie finger over the football laces unencumbered and alsoable to maintain significant feel on the football, by not being coveredby a glove. This and other new features now essentially make the sportsglove more operable, novel and significantly superior to prior art inthese areas.

This finger configuration will allow a quarterback to increase his gripand overall control of a football while simultaneously allowing somefinger feel of the football. The rest of the hand, front and back, couldbe completely covered by the glove. Additionally, the embodiment willhave a palmar and dorsal portion overlaying at least a portion of thewrist area. For example, the wrist portion could be stitched on theglove and be made of an expandable composition whereby the glove wouldexpand when being placed on a hand, and then naturally readjust to fitsnugly around the user's wrists.

This glove will take into account the benefits of the laces on afootball and give a quarterback the unique ability to grasp a footballover the football laces with the comfort and feel of not having a glove,while adding the support that a glove provides over the thumb andforefinger, particularly over the fingertips of the thumb andforefinger. Improvement in throwing accuracy and overall performancewill result from this unique type of support provided by the new art.

One critical element of the present invention is the three separateopenings or ringlets or recesses, at the distal portion of the glovebody whereby a user's middle finger, ring finger and pinkie finger mayeach extend through said glove body and thereby completely exposing theentire middle finger, ring finger and pinkie finger of a user. In otherwords, one opening is configured to allow only a user's middle finger toextend through the glove body thereby completely exposing a user'smiddle finger; another separate opening is configured to allow only auser's ring finger to extend through the glove body thereby completelyexposing a user's ring finger; still another opening is configured toallow only a user's pinkie finger to extend through the glove bodythereby completely exposing a user's pinkie finger.

Among the many benefits of providing three separate openings as opposedto simply providing one large opening large enough such that all threesaid fingers would extend through (such as an open mitten or gauntletstructure) include: minimizing glove movement while throwing a footballor when moving the gloved hand with high velocity, and maintaining astable grip of a football when an opposing football player impacts auser's gloved hand while rushing with a football.

By providing three separate openings the present invention's glove bodyessentially overlay's the portion of a user's hand between the middlefinger's proximal phalanx and the ring finger's proximal phalanx, andthe portion of a user's hand between the ring finger's proximal phalanxand the pinkie finger's proximal phalanx.

This embodiment could also find significant usefulness in GOLF as well.When placed on a golfer's dominant hand, the golfer can then use theoverlapping grip, for example, and still maintain the necessary feelbetween the dominant hand's pinkie finger which would remain uncoveredand which overlays and is in direct contact with the non-dominant hand'sforefinger. One of the added benefits of using the embodiment is thatthe user would now have enhanced grip on the dominant hand's thumb andforefinger, which is currently glove-less. The dorsal surface and thepalmar surface of the glove may preferably generally mirror each otherin configuration, thereby making conjoining relatively simple to formthe glove.

Additionally, the embodiment could comprise a Grip Enhancing Means onthe glove portion overlaying the entire metacarpophalangeal joints ofthe pinkie finger, ring finger, middle finger and forefinger, a criticalarea in controlling a ball or sport device. For example, the location ofthis Grip Enhancing Means may be defined by the four finger digitalcreases and extending down about three centimeters (width), enough tocover the entire metacarpophalangeal joints of said fingers in theirentirety. The length would be defined by the two opposing sides of thepalm, say about seven to ten centimeters in general. This area wouldthen include, for example, a high friction surface or a texturedsurface, as the Grip Enhancing Means. The Grip Enhancing Means could becomprised of a beaded surface pattern projecting out at least ½millimeter, and which could be integral to the glove material and wouldpreferably extend throughout the entire designated surface area, butcould certainly be provided on at least one centimeter by one centimeteralong the designated palmar outer surface to provide added grip support,such as, for example, only on the metacarpophalangeal joint of theforefinger. The Grip Enhancing Means would thereby offer significantimprovements to prior art partial fingered gloves.

The embodiment could also offer a Grip Enhancing Means on the palmarside of the existing finger stall as well as the thumb stall, preferablyon a portion of one or any of the proximal phalanges of the finger andthumb stalls, thus defining the terminal edges of the Grip EnhancingMeans for the embodiment.

In general, the Grip Enhancing Means of the present invention may beintegral to the glove or may be affixed by forming a grip enhancingpanel and applying the panel onto a portion of the glove. The fingerGrip Enhancing Means of this embodiment could comprise, for example, ahigh friction textured surface with a more narrow width, say about 1.5to three centimeters. This and other embodiments may include a pluralityof projections on the surface as the Grip Enhancing Means formed from,for example, one of a vinyl material, a rubber material, or a neoprenematerial, creating a grip enhancing panel.

The material forming the panel could then be applied to said digitalstalls using any standard bonding methods, such as adhesion orstitching. The plurality of projections would preferably be provided,for example, on at least one centimeter by one centimeter of any digitalsegment stalls. The projections could preferably extend out less than1/10 of a centimeter, but could range generally from 1/20 of acentimeter to several centimeters.

The present invention can now provide glove embodiments that can alsoprotect a user's hand such as a quarterback's throwing hand. Theembodiment described above, can further comprise, for example, aShock-Absorbing Member along the dorsal portion overlaying themetacarpals and/or on the dorsal area of the existing finger and thumbstalls. The Shock-Absorbing Member of this and other embodiments couldcomprise of a pad or pads, such as any foam or cotton-based fabric, forexample that provides a cushion to protect the selected areas of thehand. The padding can extend along at least a portion of the dorsalsegment of the glove. This embodiment, for example, comprises foampadding that overlay and is bounded by the four metacarpals of thepinkie finger, the ring finger, the middle finger and the forefinger.Additionally, this embodiment comprises foam padding that overlay and isseparately bounded by the proximal phalanx of the forefinger, thusdefining its terminal edges (the phalanx and generally the dorsalsurface of the glove). The Shock-Absorbing Members can be operablyattached to the glove, for example. The foam pads each can be about sixmillimeters or so in height, each encased in separate, preferablyflexible materials, such as flexible plastics or synthetic cottons.Other embodiments may have various heights, of course. The encased pad,for example, can then be stitched on to their respective locations, asdescribed. Each of the encased paddings can be one or a plurality ofsmall cushions. The paddings can be stretchable and elastic.

The present invention solves the configuration challenges of prior artand now makes the athletic glove operable for use by quarterbacks usingconventional methods of controlling a football. The present inventionnow therefore also offers a new method of playing the position ofquarterback. When throwing a football, for example, the quarterback willfirst place the present invention partial-fingered glove on his throwinghand. After receiving the football from the Center, he will look downthe football field while using primarily his uncovered fingers to feeland locate the football laces on the football. After locating thefootball laces, he will quickly place the uncovered portion of his ringfinger, pinkie finger and perhaps his middle finger over the footballlaces, thus creating a solid grip over the top and distal half of thefootball. The quarterback will place his now covered forefinger andthumb on the closer half of the football, thus creating a solid gripthroughout the entire football. The quarterback then locates a teammateto throw the football and proceeds to throw the football. Thequarterback's forefinger, supported by a glove and its grip-enhancers,will now be able to more properly release the football—or more properlyspin the football with his now grip enhanced forefinger—and deliver thefootball to the intended target more accurately.

In addition to offering greater throwing accuracy and consistency, theseand other embodiments should also help minimize quarterback fumbles byadding support when ‘pumping’ the ball, when scrambling from beingtackled, and when rushing and throwing the football. When in ‘shot gun’formation especially, a quarterback must quickly look down field at hisreceivers and ‘feel’ for the football laces. The present invention willallow a quarterback to maintain a heightened sense of feel from hismiddle finger and ring finger, while increasing the grip support on histhumb and forefinger. This significant and substantial feature will,among other things, enhance grip and control while maintaining or evenenhancing overall feel. With quarterback fumbles reaching as high as 23fumbles in a single season (Kerry Collins, 2001) these and other gripenhancing embodiments for football quarterbacks will significantlyimpact the sport of football.

If preferred, for example, embodiments may provide added gripcapabilities along the palmar portion on and between the thumb stall andthe forefinger stall. By providing added grip support on this area ofthe glove body, a quarterback will have further increased control of thefootball to better perform common tasks. For example, when a quarterbackwants to throw the football but has to temporarily run, or scramble, toavoid being tackled the quarterback most often relies primarily on onlythe dominant hand to hold on to the football. This added grip enhancersnow allow the quarterback to more securely hold the football in thethrowing position while scrambling by providing added grip capabilitiesin select areas, and can throw the football with greater precision whilescrambling if necessary.

The targeted Grip Enhancing Means may also preferably overlay any thumbor finger, any of the metacarpophalangeal joints, or on any portionbetween the thumb and forefinger, and may be separately the only gripenhancers on the embodiment, may be used in combination, or may bethroughout the palmar surface.

This and other embodiments offer superior grip capabilities, criticalnot only in overall ball control and passing the football, but also inquarterback rush attempts. Over the last decade or two, quarterbackshave increasingly chosen to rush for yardage and at times act more likea running back. Throughout his years in the NFL, for example,professional football quarterback Michael Vick has attempted over 650rushes. More recently, NFL quarterback Tim Tebow had 43 rush attempts ina season, with an average of over 3.16 yards per carry.

Clearly, the trends suggest that the successful quarterback will berequired to rush more with the football the result will often meangetting hit on his dominant hand, which is usually covering to protectthe football. Largely because of this, individuals playing the positionof running back almost all wear gloves to be able to maintain control ofthe ball during impact and not fumble the football; now withquarterbacks starting to become the second leading rushers on theirrespective teams (Tebow, Denver Broncos, 2010) the need for thequarterback to wear the present invention on his dominant hand growseven higher. Embodiments may also offer critical added protection overthe dominant hand of a quarterback, for example, for several reasonssuch as being better able to absorb impact by opposing players.

Embodiments of the present invention offer football quarterbacks manybenefits including:

-   -   stronger overall grip    -   higher completed pass accuracy    -   more success at throwing a spiral    -   higher consistency and performance in ball handling and control    -   better control resulting in less fumbles    -   greater success at quarterback play execution    -   added protection, by the Shock-Absorbing Member, on select areas        of the hand.    -   greater success when a quarterback runs/rushes with a football    -   grip enhancers on the throwing hand of the quarterback    -   targeted grip enhancers specifically designed to maximize        quarterback performance    -   significant enhanced and vital protection to a quarterbacks        throwing hand    -   protection on the throwing hand when the quarterback rushes with        the football

In football, unstable or weak ball control can, among other thingsincrease fumbles, increase incompletes and thereby increase turnoversand decrease performance. The above features offer significant andsubstantial benefits which properly address the concerns currentlyfacing those many athletes, such as football quarterbacks.

Another sport where the present invention will fulfill an unmet need isin the sport of GOLF. Embodiments of the present invention can beconfigured to meet the unique requirements of a golfer's strong handthereby providing new art. A preferred embodiment comprises a glove witha thumb stall that covers all of the thumb finger, and a forefingerstall that covers all of the forefinger. Additionally, the middlefinger, ring finger and pinkie finger are each completely uncoveredthereby maintaining the necessary feel in a preferred grip method.

This embodiment will now allow a golfer to use his conventional golfglove on his non-dominant hand, as is currently done, while now usingthe embodiment on his dominant hand as well. The uncovered pinkie fingerallows the golfer to maintain heightened feel in the pinkie finger,necessary in coordinating both hands throughout the golf swing whileusing any of the conventional club gripping methods, such as theoverlapping, interlocking or even the full-fisted method.

When using the conventional overlapping method, for example, the pinkiefinger of the dominant hand is placed over the forefinger and middlefinger of the non-dominant hand, so using this embodiment will allow theuser to maintain maximum tactile sensation of the pinkie finger andproperly coordinate a golf swing. Additionally, the golfer will now alsohave added grip capabilities along the covered thumb and forefinger ofthe dominant hand. A Grip Enhancing Means could also be formed on saiddigital segment stalls or along the metacarpophalangeal joints ifpreferred, thus providing added grip capabilities along the area wherethe club is gripped. For the same reasons, this embodiment wouldsignificantly assist golfers using any of the interlocking orfull-fisted methods as well.

Among the benefits of the present invention include the ability to offergreater golf consistency and accuracy by solving an unrecognized problemin prior art. Using this embodiment on the dominant hand in conjunctionwith a standard golf glove on the non-dominant hand will allow the userto maximize grip at both ends of the club while maintaining feelcapabilities to coordinate swing and feel if the golf club moves duringa golf swing. For example, the Grip Enhancing Means may comprise ofstripes, for example, projecting out about 600 micrometers, along any ofthe designated areas.

A significant improvement to this embodiment may also comprise a GripEnhancing Means along any or all of the metacarpophalangeal joints,and/or on any of the thumb and forefinger stalls, and/or on any regionbetween the thumb and forefinger. When using the interlocking gripmethod the Grip Enhancing Means may comprise a non-slip latex coating,for example, and would be especially useful along the pinkie finger'smetacarpophalangeal joint, the area just below where the weak-handforefinger interlocks with the strong hand pinkie finger defining theterminal edges of this Grip Enhancing Means. The thumb and forefingerstalls could also comprise tiny recesses or holes generally used on golfgloves, for ventilation or moisture management purposes.

This embodiment could be in the form of a standard synthetic leathergolf glove, with the dorsal and palmar surface areas essentiallycovering all five metacarpals, with the only exception of a slit alongthe dorsal surface which allows the golfer to insert the hand into theglove, and micro recesses along a portion of the glove to allow forventilation.

Many using the interlocking grip generally do so to maximize feel andhand coordination, thereby interlocking their weak-hand's forefingerwith their strong-hand's pinkie finger. This embodiment, and others, canallow a golfer to use the interlocking method to provide added gripcapabilities of the dominant hand without losing necessary tactilesensations in coordinating hand movements. This embodiment, for example,would provide significantly enhanced grip capabilities thereby creatinga more unison golf swing. The uncovered middle finger will allow thegolfer to still have significant feel on said finger, while still beingable to increase the overall grip along the palmar portions of themetacarpophalangeal joints, and the thumb and forefinger areas.Configuring a golf glove for the strong hand will, among other things,create a solid grip throughout both hands, thus satisfying an unmetneed. This embodiment, of course would also prove useful for footballquarterbacks for the reasons aforementioned.

The Grip Enhancing Means of the present invention creates a highercoefficient of friction on the palmar segment of the glove than what theskin of a user would otherwise provide, and can be comprised of variousgrip-enhancing materials, forms, coatings, and designs, including butnot limited to, a plurality of regular or irregular projections, aplurality of regular or irregular depressions, foams, fabrics, PVC dots,perimeter patching designs, linear and non-linear grooves, orcombinations thereof, high friction surfaces, textured surfaces,non-slip materials and coatings, such as PVC coatings and latexcoatings, and designs creating coarse surfaces such as eighty grit emorycloth for example, as well as pebbled or beaded surfaces, convex orconcave bumps, striations, cross-hatches, convex or concave linear andnon-linear lines, angled ribs, random structures, convex or concaveridges, crevices, elongated segments, and the like. Preferably, thedepths of the depressions and/or heights of projections would be suchthat the gap formed by the depressions or projections would allow forsome movement of the palmar surfaces thereby increasing the gripcapabilities of the user. The heights of the projections and the depthsof the depressions range from about 100 micrometers to severalmillimeters; more preferably the heights of the projections or thedepths of the depressions range from between 100 micrometers to 4millimeters; even more preferably, the heights of the projections andthe depths of the depressions range from between 300 micrometers to 3millimeters.

The Grip Enhancing Means may further comprise a plurality of spacedapart stripes or striped projections formed from a high frictionmaterial, such as a PVC material, for example. Preferably the stripescomprise raised or projecting stripes and are arranged to extendgenerally parallel to the axis of any existing finger stalls. Stripesand other forms may be uniformly spaced or spaced at varying intervals.Similarly, stripes and other forms may have varying thicknesses, heightsor depths, depending on preference. The thickness ranges from about 100micrometers to several millimeters; more preferably the thickness rangesfrom between 100 micrometers to 4 millimeters; even more preferably, thethickness ranges from between 300 micrometers to 3 millimeters. TheGrip-Enhancing Means may create a pattern, may be in rows or randomlyplaced, and may form circular and non-circular shapes, such asspherical, cylindrical or elongated. Additionally, they may beindividually separated or interconnected.

In general, a palmar surface of an embodiment can have a variety offinishes, one portion of the surface can have a smooth finish, forexample, and another portion can have a textured surface. The texturedportion could create a higher coefficient of friction, or grip enhancer,on the surface.

The Grip Enhancing Means can be formed on the glove by any standardmethod, for example, embossing, stamping or molding a portion of theglove to create the gripping means. For example, the Grip EnhancingMeans can comprise regular projections of say, about 300 micrometers inheight, but may vary in height depending on preference. The projectionsmay all be the same height, and may be in rows. They may be embossedelongated shapes that are interconnected, thus creating a highcoefficient of friction throughout the entire palmar surface area of theglove. Other embodiments could of course offer different heights,non-uniform heights, and have a more random pattern on the palmarportions forming the glove.

Alternatively, the Grip Enhancing Means may be attached, affixed orotherwise placed to select areas of the glove by standard methods andforms of attachment such as by overlaying a panel to select areas of theglove. This may be accomplished, for example, by creating a texturedsurface on a silicone-based layer and then hot melting said siliconesurface onto the bottom surface of the most proximal end of theforefinger stall, thus providing a high friction surface on theembodiment. The Grip Enhancing Means may be affixed to the glove by anyother standard methods of attachment, such as by stitching or adhesion.

The Grip Enhancing Means is located on the palmar portion of the glove.Within that parameter, preferably, the Grip Enhancing Means can be onany portion of any thumb stall or forefinger stall, any portion of themetacarpophalangeal joints, and any portion between the thumb stall andforefinger stall, generally defined by the forefinger metacarpal, thethumb metacarpal, and the glove segment between said metacarpals. TheGrip Enhancing Means can therefore be specifically positioned to provideenhanced grip and a higher coefficient of friction along select areasthan on the rest of the glove body. Of course, users may prefer anycombination of the aforementioned. In at least one embodiment all of theabove mentioned comprise of a Grip Enhancing Means including all of themetacarpals. In at least one embodiment, the palmar segment itselfcomprises a Grip Enhancing Means, thereby covering the entire palmarsegment of the glove.

The Grip Enhancing Means will provide an effective coefficient offriction, preferably of at least a Shore A Durometer Coefficient ofFriction of at least 1.0; more preferably, a Shore A DurometerCoefficient of Friction of at least 1.5; even more preferably, a Shore ADurometer Coefficient of Friction of between 2.0 and 4.5; still evenmore preferably, a Shore A Durometer Coefficient of Friction of betweenabout 3.0 and 4.5.

The Grip Enhancing Means may also comprise of tackifiers, such astackified leathers, tackified resins, tackified coatings and othertackifiers commonly known. These tackifiers will provide very high gripcapabilities along the glove body, preferably of a Shore A DurometerCoefficient of Friction of between 2.5 and 4.5; even more preferably, aShore A Durometer Coefficient of Friction of between about 3.0 and 4.5.

Tackifiers commonly known include X40 C-TACK Revolution manufactured byCUTTERS, CARBON manufactured by NIKE, and F3 manufactured by UA, forexample.

Some embodiments, of course, will not have a Grip Enhancing Means on anypart of the glove. These embodiments absent of any Grip Enhancing Meansmay have a Shock-Absorbing Member along the dorsal segment.

The Shock-Absorbing Member (or members) can comprise of any materialthat will provide added protection to a user's thumb, fingers, hand,wrist, or combinations thereof. In general, the Shock-Absorbing Membercan comprise conventional materials for dissipating pressure across asurface area, can have varying densities and thicknesses, and can be inthe form of a layer or multiple layers. Embodiments may comprise aShock-Absorbing Member with or without a Grip Enhancing Means.

The Shock-Absorbing Member is flexible, compressible and/or resilient.The Shock-Absorbing Member can comprise of any foam or cotton-basedfabrics, cloth paddings, such as a cushion, foams such as a polyurethanefoam pad, and flexible plastics, and the like, to absorb impact receivedfrom opposing players or from hitting the ground. The Shock-AbsorbingMember can comprise foam-filled segments, such as polyethylene foam padsor it can be of cotton or cloth, or encased gels. For example, theShock-Absorbing Member may comprise of a unitary pad or pad segments,and may comprise any open cell or closed cell foam, such as BOLLARDfoam, polyolefin foam and the like. The Shock-Absorbing Member may alsobe made of any common materials used in providing glove padding,including natural or synthetic rubber, natural or synthetic rubberfoams, encased gels, polyester fiber, or cotton or other natural orsynthetic wadding materials. Additionally, the Shock-Absorbing Membermay possess a substantially uniform cell distribution or polyvinylchloride foam plastic. The Shock-Absorbing Member may comprise ofcushions or pads which can be implemented as any of a variety ofconventional padding material, such as foam rubber of varying densitiesand thicknesses, layers of fabric of various types and thicknesses,conventional encased gel or plastic material, liquid-holdingcompartments, or other types of conventional materials. It will beapparent to one of ordinary skill in the art that many otherimplementations of pad construction are possible.

The Shock-Absorbing Member need not be very thick but can be, beginningfrom about 600 micrometers to about three inches. The thickness may varyaccording to location, such as finger versus metacarpal areas, anddegree of desired protection. The thickness of similar embodiments mayvary depending on several factors, such as for example, user preference.In other words, embodiments may be configured to absorb more or less bythe thickness of the Shock-Absorbing Member. The embodiment can thuscreate a cushioning effect to, for example, protect an injury.Additionally, for example, quarterbacks who rarely rush with thefootball may only require a thinner pad, say 0.25 inch or less, asopposed to quarterbacks who more often need to run with the ball.

The Shock-Absorbing Member is primarily located on the dorsal portion ofthe glove. Within that parameter, preferably, the Shock-Absorbing Membercan overlay any portion of any thumb and/or forefinger, and/or anyportion of the five metacarpals. In at least one embodiment, the entiredorsal segment comprises a Shock-Absorbing Member, therefore mirroringthe dorsal segment's design or structure of the glove.

Preferably, embodiments can also have a Shock-Absorbing Member along thedorsal surface overlaying the wrist area, provided a segment overlayingthe wrist exists. The wrist segment off the glove may extend to overlaythe carpals on the wrist area and be of substantial width length tocover a significant portion of the user's carpals, up to about fiveinches. The Shock-Absorbing Member overlaying the carpals on the wristarea may extend to also cover up to about five inches, and may do so asseparate padding segments, for example, to allow for significant wristflexibility, or may be configured as one pad.

The Shock-Absorbing Member can be constructed on the glove usingstandard techniques placing paddings on gloves, such as by stitching forexample, or may alternatively be integrally formed on the glove. Forexample, the Shock-Absorbing Member may be encased in a compartment orcompartments that are then attached to select areas of the glove.Alternatively, said member may be integrally formed on the glove and theShock-Absorbing Member could be interposed in the glove with onecompartment such as a liner, or within a plurality of discreetshock-absorbing protective compartments such as protrusions projectingout from the glove. The construction of these compartments may compriseof any flexible material, such as rubber, or may be of the same materialforming the glove. Said compartment or compartments could house andallow said Shock-Absorbing Member to project out, for example, toprovide protection in desired areas along generally the dorsal surfaceof the glove.

By way of example, if the Shock-Absorbing Member is placed onto theouter surface of the dorsal segment, it is envisioned that the pad couldbe sewn, bonded or otherwise attached atop the dorsal segment of theglove. A Shock-Absorbing Member may include an outer layer of materialwhich encapsulates the pad and enables the outer periphery of the pad tobe positioned without damaging the pad. For example, it is envisionedthat the pad may include an outer layer made of the same material as therest of the glove, or may be a heavier, thicker material, such assynthetic leather. The Shock-Absorbing Member, in this case a pad, isthen inserted into the compartment. The encased pad can then be sewn,adhered to or otherwise secured on the glove, such as deposed adjacentthe dorsal segment of the thumb stall.

The Shock-Absorbing Member may also be integrally formed on the glove.For example, the Shock-Absorbing Member may be located between the innersurface of the dorsal segment of the glove and a liner or sleeve. Theliner (or sleeve) material would therefore be positioned between theShock-Absorbing Member and a user's hand. The liner could be attached tothe glove by standard methods, such as by conventional stitching aboutthe perimeter of the dorsal segment, whereby the padded layer would beinserted and then sealed.

A similar method if the Shock-Absorbing Member is integrally formed fromthe sports glove comprises a flexible, preferably integrally moldeddorsal member which has a tougher outer protective surface and a smoothhand contacting inner material, such as a liner or sleeve, beingconnected together around the peripheral edge of the molded member. Theouter member may have a plurality of discrete shock-absorbing protectiveprotrusions whereby the Shock-Absorbing Members could be housed. Theprotrusions may be in a variety of heights and shapes, and of sufficientdimensions to house each Shock-Absorbing Member.

The lining material (or sleeve) may be comprised of standard liningmaterials, such as a smooth, flexible knitted fabric. The liner may alsocomprise of flexible and elastomeric material such as spandex or LYCRA.Other possible materials include a knit of polyester or simply the samematerial forming the glove. A soft cellular plastic could also bepreferred. Additionally, the liner may provide added features to offerwarmth and comfort such as by comprising of a fleece material, forexample, especially useful when competing in the rain or snow. It willbe apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art that many otherimplementations of lining are possible.

These novel features will give a quarterback added protection from theabrasion from hitting his fingers against the helmet of an opponent, forexample, or when wrapping his throwing hand around the football whenrushing. The Shock-Absorbing Member sections of the present inventionoffer the unique ability of being able to protect an injury whilemaintaining grip capabilities in select areas by offering padded layeror layers, a significant and substantial advancement to prior art, suchas bandages and BAND-AID, thus providing a solution to a long-felt needof being able to protect a quarterback's throwing hand.

Some embodiments, of course, will not have a Shock-Absorbing Member onany part of the glove. These embodiments that are absent of anyShock-Absorbing Member will be useful and significantly beneficial tofootball quarterbacks but also especially to those playing the sport ofgolf, primarily because the unique finger configurations of the glove,as well as because of any Grip Enhancing Means on embodiments.

Embodiments may also comprise of a wrist securement opening means tosecure the glove to the user's hand. The opening means may be, forexample, an elastic means or a flap which mechanically engages a flapcapture mechanism (e.g., a synthetic hook and loop fastening interfacewhich adheres when pressed together, commonly using VELCRO). The wristportion opening means may alternatively comprise an elastomeric bandfixed around the wrist aperture. The wrist portion may be formedintegral with the glove or may be attached to the glove by standardmethods, such as by sewing. As aforementioned, said wrist segment mayextend along the carpals of the user's arm.

The finger segments of embodiments would preferably be designed to fitsnugly around a user's fingers, as are typical sports gloves. Inaddition, some embodiments may have material treated by a moisturerepellant, for example SCOTCH GUARD or a synthetic resin, extremelyuseful during the Winter months, usually during the football playoffs.Additionally, embodiments may also comprise various weather-resistantand perspirant-resistant materials, forms and designs including, but notlimited to, water-resistant materials or micro-recesses along anyportion of the glove, for moisture management, or combinations thereof.

The present invention may be made and manufactured using standardmaterials and methods in developing sports gloves. Materials that couldcomprise these glove embodiments include, but are not limited to, wovenmaterials such as natural, synthetic or blends of natural and syntheticyarns, thermoextruded or thermoset rubbery embodiments such as thosemade from thermoplastic elastomers. Examples of synthetic yarns includenylon, polyester, and spandex (polyurethane) yarns. Embodiments may alsocomprise stretch materials and designs, mesh fabrics, recycled andflexible materials, cottons, rayon, leathers and synthetic leathers,rubbers, plastics, woven fabrics, non-woven fabrics, cloths, LYCRA, avinyl material, a neoprene material, a fleece material, or combinationsthereof.

The thickness of the dorsal and palmar segments can generally beginanywhere from 0.005 inches to 0.040 inches, for example, depending onseveral factors such as comfort and durability preferences. Someembodiments may offer more durable material for the dorsal surface thusrequiring an even thicker dorsal segment. Of course, the more durablethe material for more protection the glove may naturally provide. Forexample, embodiments may have a thinner palmar portion and/or of a moreflexible material such as LYCRA for example whereas the dorsal portionmay be thicker than the palmar portion and/or of a more durable materialsuch as a synthetic leather for example, for protective purposes.

SUMMARY

As described herein, the present invention overcomes the limitations ofthe prior art in a number of significant ways. In general, embodimentsof the present invention can generally be used in conjunction with anytype of hand task activity and/or sports play. As discussed, embodimentsoffer an individual with the opportunity to increase overall hand taskperformance. Maintaining or increasing overall control, for example, canprovide many benefits to a user of these, and other embodiments. Theseand other embodiments:

-   -   offer the ability to grip as well as feel a ball, such as a        football    -   offer the ability to grip as well as feel a sports device, such        as a golf club    -   provide a unique solution for players who desire better grip        capabilities in select areas    -   offer basic benefits that standard gloves offer, now offered        also to quarterbacks    -   offer a more stabilizing overall grip of a ball or object, by        conveying grip-enhancers to select locations of the hand    -   provide grip enhancers along the connecting area between the        thumb and forefinger    -   allow an individual to maintain or increase control of a ball or        object along the metacarpophalangeal joints    -   permit the ability to use a glove on dominant hand configured to        meet the unique needs of your preferred golf grip    -   improve performance in hand task execution    -   improve stability of overall grip throughout the hands    -   offer more control capabilities throughout a sports task, a        valuable feature when striking a golf club with greater velocity    -   afford more control throughout a football task, such as when        throwing a slippery football or when under duress    -   allow more hand coordination by adjusting enhancers to match one        particular golf swing    -   make for less football mishandles    -   create more safety in playing the position of quarterback        especially for the youth in our country    -   finally give quarterbacks the necessary protection already        offered to others who rush with the football, such as running        backs

These are among the many benefits of the present invention, and are notto be construed as limitations of the benefits nor their legalequivalent.

Although the description of the present invention only discussed twosports, it is understood that individuals playing other sports mightbenefit as well, such as baseball, volleyball and basketball.Additionally, although embodiments have generally been discussed for aparticular sport, it is only by way of example. In other words, theembodiments discussed related to football may also easily be used ingolf, and vice versa. In addition, the term ‘overlay’ is not meant tolimit how the Grip Enhancing Means or the Shock-Absorbing Member will becreated on embodiments of the present invention. Indeed, as has beendemonstrated, the Grip Enhancing Means and Shock-Absorbing Member may beintegrally formed of many of these embodiments. Therefore, use of theterm ‘overlay’ may be defined more broadly, as “applied, affixed, formedon or otherwise created on.”

In addition, only some embodiments have been discussed and in no way isintended to limit all the various embodiments and other embodiments thatthe present invention provides, such as but not limited to, differentdesigns. Embodiments can of course be used by men and women, boys andgirls, professional athletes or amateurs, as well as for those whosedominant hand is the right hand or the left.

BRIEF DESCRIPTIONS OF THE DRAWING

It is expressly understood that the following descriptions and drawingare for illustration purposes only, and in no way are intended to limitthe scope of the present invention and its various embodiments. Forexample, the drawings are of embodiments for the left hand but caneasily be created for the right hand.

FIG. 1 is a drawing of the palmar (front) view of an embodiment. Thethumb and forefinger are completely covered. The ring finger and pinkiefinger are essentially completely uncovered. The middle finger is alsocompletely uncovered. Provided on the palmar portion of the glove is aGrip Enhancing Means, both integrally formed and formed on a panel.

FIG. 2 is a drawing of the embodiment as described in FIG. 1, showingthe dorsal (back) view. Provided on the dorsal portion is aShock-Absorbing Member.

FIG. 3 is a drawing of the palmar view of a second embodiment. The thumband forefinger are completely covered. The ring finger and pinkie fingerare essentially completely uncovered. The middle finger is alsocompletely uncovered. Provided on the palmar portion is a Grip EnhancingMeans.

FIG. 4 is a drawing of the embodiment as described in FIG. 3, showingthe dorsal view. Provided on the dorsal portion of the glove is aShock-Absorbing Member.

FIG. 5 is a drawing of the palmar view of a third embodiment, shown as apartial-fingered glove. The thumb and forefinger are completely covered.The ring finger and pinkie finger are essentially completely uncovered.The middle finger is also completely uncovered. Provided on the palmarportion of the glove is a Grip Enhancing Means.

FIG. 6 is a drawing of the embodiment as described in FIG. 5, showingthe dorsal view. Provided on the dorsal portion of the glove is aShock-Absorbing Member.

FIG. 7 is a picture of a famous football quarterback's football grip.

FIG. 8 is a drawing of an alternative dorsal segment to FIG. 1. Providedon the dorsal portion of the glove is a Shock-Absorbing Member.

FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of FIG. 8, showing a liner.

FIG. 10 is a drawing of an alternative dorsal segment to FIG. 5.Provided on the dorsal portion of the glove is a Shock-Absorbing Member.

FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of FIG. 10, showing a liner andprotrusions.

FIG. 12 is a side view of the glove embodiment comprised of FIG. 10(dorsal segment) and FIG. 5 (palmar segment).

FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of FIG. 8, showing a liner.

FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view of FIG. 10, showing a liner andprotrusions.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

It is expressly understood that the drawings are for the purpose ofillustration and description only and are not intended as a definitionof the limits of the invention.

Referring now to FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, an athletic glove of the presentinvention is shown and designated as 10. The palmar (front) view of aleft-handed glove is drawn in FIG. 1 and the dorsal (back) view of thesame glove is drawn in FIG. 2. This partial-fingered embodiment providesa glove having a dorsal portion 11, a palmar portion 12 for overlayingrespective back and palm regions of a human hand, said dorsal and palmarportions having distal and proximal ends with a plurality of digitalsegments (or stalls) projecting from said distal ends. Additionally,three separate openings or ringlets are provided on said distal ends,such that a user's ring finger, pinkie finger and middle finger mayindividually extend through said glove.

The glove includes a glove body having a back portion covering the backof the hand 11, and a front portion covering substantially all of thepalm or front of the hand 12. The glove body includes a forefinger stalland a thumb stall each adapted to receive a forefinger or thumb,respectively, therein.

In the illustrated embodiment, the glove is constructed such that thethumb 13 and forefinger 14 digital segments enclose said thumb andforefinger, including enclosing the fingertips. The glove does notcomprise of finger stalls for a user's middle finger, ring finger orpinkie finger. Therefore, the middle finger, ring finger and pinkiefinger are all completely uncovered.

The distal ends of the dorsal portion 11 and palmar portion 12 of theglove body further provides three separate finger openings (or ringlets)22, 25, 27, where a user's middle finger, ring finger and pinkie fingermay extend through said glove body and thereby being completelyuncovered by said glove body.

The palmar section covers the entire palm of the hand 12; the dorsalsection covers most of the back of the hand 11, allowing only for anymicro recesses along the dorsal surface, typically used to provideventilation. The glove also has a wrist portion that surrounds the wristof a user.

The thumb stall 13 is defined by a dorsal portion 18 and a palmarportion 19. The forefinger stall 14 is defined by a dorsal portion 20and a palmar portion 21. An opening (or ringlet) is provided for themiddle finger 22. An opening (or ringlet) is provided for the ringfinger 25. An opening (or ringlet) is provided for the pinkie finger 27.The wrist portion is preferably expansible so as to hold more securelyto the user's wrist. Therefore the embodiment also has an expandableopening means 28 at a wrist end 29 adapted to receive the user's hand.The expandable opening means comprises an elastic material along thewrist portion, such as an elastomeric band 28 fixed around the wrist. Ifdesired, the opening means may comprise a strap means at the open end ofthe glove body for fastening the glove body secure about the wrist area.The strap means may be unitary with the glove body and may includeVELCRO fasteners, buttons, and the like or other suitable closure meansthereon.

This embodiment further shows how the present invention may comprise aGrip Enhancing Means 23. Although the glove now provides a highercoefficient of friction on the throwing hand of a quarterback or on agolfer's dominant hand, one may now further increase grip capabilitiesby adding a Grip Enhancing Means along the palmar surface of the glove.

Provided on the palmar portion 12 of this embodiment is a Grip EnhancingMeans 23. The Grip Enhancing Means, as aforementioned, may be in theform of PVC dots, for example, and located on the thumb and forefingersegments. The PVC dots preferably project out at least about sevenhundred micrometers. The PVC dots located on the palmar section of thethumb 30 and forefinger stalls 31 are throughout said stalls. Similarembodiments may have a Grip Enhancing Means along only the thumb segmentoverlaying the distal phalanx or the forefinger's distal phalanx, orcombinations thereof, to maximize grip abilities on the fingertips ofthe thumb and forefinger.

The Grip Enhancing Means 23 may be integral to the glove or may beaffixed to the glove using any standard methods. For example, thisembodiment comprises Grip Enhancing Means that are integral to the glovethumb and forefinger stalls, using any standard method known in the art.For example, the PVC dots can be imparted by any standard methods, suchas, for example, by molding. The heights of the PVC dots in thisembodiment are all the same height, and are in rows. Other embodimentscould of course offer different heights, non-uniform heights, and have amore random pattern on the top surface.

The locations of the Grip Enhancing Means may vary on several factors ofcourse, such as personal preference and preferred degree of enhancedgrip. This added grip configuration will be useful to quarterbacks andgolfers for reasons described herein. Other grip enhancingconfigurations and locations may of course be preferred.

For example, a quarterback who often rushes with the football may prefera grip enhancer throughout any existing finger stalls, whereas aquarterback who often throws the football may prefer a Grip EnhancingMeans on the fingertips of the thumb and forefinger segments, and alongthe area between the thumb and forefinger metacarpophalangeal joints(See FIG. 3). Having a Grip Enhancing Means along these areas willsignificantly increase the quarterback's ability to control the footballthroughout a throw or rush attempt by creating an even highercoefficient of friction than what the skin of a user would otherwiseprovide.

A golfer may have similar grip enhancing preferences as those discussed.An individual using the interlocking grip method may additionally desirea Grip Enhancing Means overlaying the palmar surface area of the pinkiefinger's metacarpophalangeal joint, in part or in its entirety. Theresulting grip enhancing configurations would offer the golfer addedcontrol on the dominant hand's thumb, forefinger, and along the areawhere the golfer's two hands interlock. Additionally, the partiallyuncovered fingers would offer maximum retention of tactile sensationalong uncovered finger portions. This unique offering will significantlyincrease the golfer's ability to control a golf club and also thereforea golf swing.

The embodiment's Grip Enhancing Means 23 can also comprise of a highfriction surface, such as depressions 34, creating crisscrossdepressions 34 for example, to the glove area beginning at the digitalcreases and extending to overlay the forefinger metacarpophalangealjoint; the middle finger metacarpophalangeal joint, the ring fingermetacarpophalangeal joint, and the pinkie finger metacarpophalangealjoint, 34. The Grip Enhancing Means portion overlaying the pinkie fingermetacarpophalangeal joint preferably does not extend over theupper-palmar crease, however, to provide optimal flexibility.

The Grip Enhancing Means can also comprise of a high friction surface byapplying a non-slip coating, such as a latex, nitrile, or PVC coating,along described locations of this embodiment. The coating could ofcourse also be applied to the entire palmar portion of the glove.

A plurality of tiny recesses of about 0.120 millimeters in diameter maybe randomly disposed about the front, back and finger and thumb stallsof the glove, thereby providing added comfort and more ventilation.

As aforementioned, the present invention, including this embodiment maybe constructed using standard materials and methods of constructionknown in the art of making sports gloves. For example, construction ofthis embodiment may be accomplished by standard methods, such as, bydesigning the dorsal and palmar sections to meet along a conjoininglateral edge to define a pocket for receiving the eminence of a user'shand. Said dorsal and palmar sections could be conjoined by sewing, forexample.

This embodiment further shows how the present invention may comprise ofthe same materials to construct both the palmar and dorsal surface. Thisparticular glove can be made of a polyester and cotton blend forsuperior comfort, say about seventy percent polyester, for example. Thepolyester thread, for example, could be spun with the cotton yarns toproduce the composite. Other materials that could comprise these gloveembodiments include, but are not limited to woven materials that includenatural, synthetic or blends of natural and synthetic yarns, flexibleplastics, and thermoextruded or thermoset rubbery embodiments includingthose made from thermoplastic elastomers. Examples of synthetic yarnsinclude nylon, polyester, and spandex (polyurethane) yarns, and LYCRA.Additionally, embodiments such as this one may be completely coated witha water repellant substance 33, such as a synthetic resin 33.

This embodiment also may comprise a Grip Enhancing Means that is affixedto the glove. In general, as aforementioned, a Grip Enhancing Means maybe either formed on or applied to any palmar portion, such as the palmor any thumb or any existing finger stalls for example, using anystandard methods. The embodiment's gripping means can comprise of a highfriction surface, such as depressions 34, creating crisscross grooves 34that are depressed onto a rubber surface panel 35, for example, thenattaching said panel onto a portion of the glove palmar surface area.The panel is then attached to the palmar surface of the glove by anystandard methods of attachment, such as by adhesion or stitching.

The panel may be is attached to the glove area, for example, beginningat the digital creases and extending to overlay the forefingermetacarpophalangeal joint, the middle finger metacarpophalangeal joint,the ring finger metacarpophalangeal joint, and the pinkie fingermetacarpophalangeal joint, 34. The panel portion overlaying the pinkiefinger metacarpophalangeal 36 preferably does not extend over theupper-palmar crease, however, to provide optimal flexibility. This formof attachment may additionally be used to affix a Grip Enhancing Meansover the thumb stall, any existing finger stalls and/or along the areabetween the forefinger and thumb stalls, in part or in their entirety,for example.

The panel may generally be comprised of any flexible material, forexample, a plastic material 35 having a top surface comprising the gripenhancing area formed by a plurality of depressions 34 such as, forexample, ridges. A preferred depth of the depressions would be such thatthe gap formed by the depressions would allow for some movement of thenewly formed top surface edges thereby increasing the grip capabilitiesof the user. This grip enhancer could have a preferred depth beginningabout six hundred micrometers, and can be imparted by, for example,embossing or standard mechanical treatments. The grip enhancing surfacewould provide an effective coefficient of friction, preferably of atleast a Shore A Durometer of three or greater. The panel would then bebonded to, and become a part of the top surface of a portion of theglove, by any standard method such as, for example, cementing or hotmelt gluing.

Referring now to FIG. 3 and FIG. 4, a second embodiment of the athleticglove of the present invention is shown and designated as 40. The palmar(front) view of a left-handed glove is drawn in FIG. 3 and the dorsal(back) view of the same glove is drawn in FIG. 4. This partial-fingeredembodiment provides a glove having a dorsal portion 41 and a palmarportion 42 for overlaying respective back and palm regions of a humanhand, said dorsal and palmar portions having distal and proximal endswith a plurality of digital segments (or stalls) projecting from saiddistal ends. The glove includes a glove body having a back portioncovering essentially the entire dorsal surface of the hand 41, and afront portion covering essentially the entire palm surface of the hand42. The glove body includes a finger segment and a thumb segment eachadapted to receive a finger and thumb, respectively, therein.Additionally, three separate openings or ringlets are provided on saiddistal ends, such that a user's ring finger, pinkie finger and middlefinger may individually extend through said glove.

The glove is constructed such that the thumb 43 and forefinger 44digital segments completely enclose said thumb and forefinger, includingenclosing the fingertips. The middle finger, ring finger and pinkiefinger are all completely uncovered.

The glove does not comprise of finger stalls for a user's middle finger,ring finger or pinkie finger. Therefore, the middle finger, ring fingerand pinkie finger are all completely uncovered.

The distal ends of the dorsal portion 41 and palmar portion 42 of theglove body further provides three separate fingeropenings/ringlets/recesses 53, 54, 55, where a user's middle finger,ring finger and pinkie finger may extend through said glove body andthereby being completely uncovered by said glove body.

The palmar surface of the glove essentially covers the rest of the frontof the hand, including the entire palm of the hand 42; the dorsalsection covers most of the back of the hand 41, allowing only for microrecesses for ventilation 24, and for a slit on the wrist portion for anopening to more easily insert a hand. The thumb stall 43 is defined by adorsal portion 48 and palmar portion 49. The forefinger stall 44 isdefined by a dorsal portion 50 and a palmar portion 51. A separateopening is provided for the middle finger 53, the ring finger 54, andthe pinkie finger 55.

The glove also has an expandable opening means at a wrist end portion 59adapted to receive the user's hand. The expandable opening meanscomprises a strap means 56 at the open end 57 of the glove body forfastening the glove body secure about the wrist area. The strap meansmay be unitary with the glove body and may include VELCRO fasteners 58,buttons, and the like or other suitable closure means thereon. The wristportion is preferably expansible so as to hold more securely around theuser's wrist. The dorsal surface of the glove therefore has an uncoveredportion along the wrist area 57. As with other embodiments, this glovemay alternatively have an expandable opening means comprised of anelastic material to expand and contract for easier glove applicationonto a hand, as previously described.

This embodiment further shows how the present invention may comprise aGrip Enhancing Means 109. Although the embodiment now provides a highercoefficient of friction on the throwing hand of a quarterback or on agolfer's dominant hand, one may now further increase grip areas byadding a Grip Enhancing Means on select areas.

The illustrated embodiment has a Grip Enhancing Means on select areas ofthe front of the hand, specifically along the two digital segments aswell as along the region between the thumb and forefinger segments. TheGrip Enhancing Means comprises a tackifier material 260, configured toprovide a high coefficient of friction, preferably a Shore A DurometerCoefficient of Friction of at least 2.5; more preferably a Shore ADurometer Coefficient of Friction of between 2.5 and 4.5.

The tackifier located on the palmar section of the thumb stall 49 andforefinger stall 51 are throughout said stalls. Similar embodiments mayhave a Grip Enhancing Means along only the distal phalanx of the thumbsegment or the distal phalanx of the forefinger, or combinationsthereof, to maximize grip abilities primarily on the fingertips of thethumb and forefinger.

The Grip Enhancing Means may also be provided on the palmar portion ofthe glove overlaying the area between the thumb and the forefingersegments 64, generally defined by the portion overlaying the forefingermetacarpal, the thumb metacarpal 66 and the area between saidmetacarpals extending to the edge of the palm 67. The Grip EnhancingMeans can also comprise of a high friction surface by applying anon-slip panel, such as a latex, nitrile or PVC coating, along describedlocations of this embodiment 49, 51, 64. The coating could of coursealso be applied to the entire palmar portion of the glove 42.

The locations of the Grip Enhancing Means may vary on several factors ofcourse, such as personal preference and preferred degree of enhancedgrip.

As discussed, the Grip Enhancing Means may be integral to the glove ormay be affixed to the glove using any standard methods. For example,this embodiment can comprise Grip Enhancing Means that are integral tothe glove, using any standard method to accomplish this, such asconstructing the palmar portion of the glove body thumb stall 49 andforefinger stall 51 using a tackified leather by any standard method,and then attaching said palmar portion to the rest of the palmar glovebody by any standard methods, such as by sewing. Finally, the entirepalmar segment may be conjoined to the dorsal segment thereby creatingsaid glove. As mentioned, the Grip Enhancing Means can also comprise ofa high friction surface by applying a non-slip coating, such as latex,nitrile or PVC coating. These coatings may be a preferable choice whenapplying a Grip Enhancing Means on any metacarpophalangeal joints. Thiswould be especially useful for golfers using the interlocking grip orfootball quarterbacks, for example, by providing added grip alongcritical grip areas.

As aforementioned, the present invention, including this embodiment maybe constructed using standard materials and methods of constructionknown in the art of making sports gloves. For example, construction ofthis embodiment may be accomplished by standard methods, such as, bydesigning the dorsal and palmar sections to meet along a conjoininglateral edge to define a pocket for receiving the eminence of a user'shand. Said dorsal and palmar sections could be conjoined by sewing, forexample. One could use any standard method of manufacture and assemblyor construction known in the art.

The embodiment's Grip Enhancing Means 109 can also comprise of a highfriction surface, such as projections 108, creating crisscrossprojections 108 for example, to the glove area beginning at the digitalcreases and extending to overlay the forefinger metacarpophalangealjoint; the middle finger metacarpophalangeal joint, the ring fingermetacarpophalangeal joint, and the pinkie finger metacarpophalangealjoint, 112. The Grip Enhancing Means portion overlaying the pinkiefinger metacarpophalangeal joint 110 preferably does not extend over theupper-palmar crease, however, to provide optimal flexibility.

The Grip Enhancing Means can also comprise of a high friction surface byapplying a non-slip coating, such as a latex, nitrile, or PVC coating,along described locations of this embodiment. The coating could ofcourse also be applied to the entire palmar portion of the glove.

This embodiment also may comprise a Grip Enhancing Means 109 that isaffixed to the glove. In general, as aforementioned, a Grip EnhancingMeans may be either formed on or applied to any palmar portion, such asthe palm or any thumb or any existing finger stalls for example, usingany standard methods. The embodiment's gripping means can comprise of ahigh friction surface, such as a plurality of projections 108, creatingcrisscrosses 108 that are formed onto a panel 112, such as a neoprenesurface panel 112, for example, then attaching said panel onto a portionof the glove palmar surface area. The panel is then attached to thepalmar surface of the glove by any standard methods of attachment, suchas by adhesion or stitching.

The panel may be is attached to the glove area, for example, beginningat the digital creases and extending to overlay the forefingermetacarpophalangeal joint, the middle finger metacarpophalangeal joint,the ring finger metacarpophalangeal joint, and the pinkie fingermetacarpophalangeal joint, 112. The panel portion overlaying the pinkiefinger metacarpophalangeal 110 preferably does not extend over theupper-palmar crease, however, to provide optimal flexibility. This formof attachment may additionally be used to affix a Grip Enhancing Meansover the thumb stall, any existing finger stalls and/or along the areabetween the forefinger and thumb stalls, in part or in their entirety,for example.

The panel 112 may generally be comprised of any flexible material, forexample, a plastic material, a neoprene material, or a plastic materialhaving a top surface comprising the grip enhancing area formed by aplurality of projections 108 such as, for example, projected ridges orcircular dots. A preferred heights of the projections would be such thatthe gap formed by the projections would allow for some movement of thenewly formed top surface edges thereby increasing the grip capabilitiesof the user. This grip enhancer could have a preferred heights beginningabout three hundred micrometers, and can be imparted by, for example,embossing or standard mechanical treatments. The grip enhancing panelsurface preferably also comprises a tackifier material 112 configured toprovide an effective coefficient of friction, preferably of at least aShore A Durometer Coefficient of Friction of between 2.5 and 4.5. Thepanel would then be bonded to, and become a part of the top surface of aportion of the glove, by any standard method such as, for example,cementing or hot melt gluing.

The embodiment is suitably a substantially conventionally constructedsports glove, modified as aforementioned. This particular glove can bemade of a thinner more flexible material forming the palmar segment(absent the thumb and forefinger stall formed by a tackified leather)such as polyester and cotton blend 42 for superior comfort and a morethicker synthetic leather forming the dorsal segment 41 for addeddurability. In other words, the glove formed provides a dorsal segmentthat is thicker than the palmar segment. Other materials that couldcomprise these glove embodiments include, but are not limited to wovenmaterials that include natural, synthetic or blends of natural andsynthetic yarns, thermoextruded or thermoset rubbery embodimentsincluding those made from thermoplastic elastomers, and cloths.

Examples of synthetic yarns include nylon, polyester, and spandex(polyurethane) yarns. Additionally, embodiments such as this one may becoated with a with a water repellant substance, such as a syntheticresin throughout the glove 40.

Referring now to FIG. 5 and FIG. 6, a third embodiment of the presentinvention is shown and designated as 70. The palmar view of aleft-handed glove is drawn in FIG. 5 and the dorsal view of the sameglove is drawn in FIG. 6. This partial-fingered embodiment provides aglove having a dorsal portion 71, a palmar portion 72 for overlayingrespective back and palm regions of a human hand, said dorsal and palmarportions having distal and proximal ends with a plurality of digitalsegments (or stalls) projecting from said distal ends. The gloveincludes a glove body having a back portion covering the back of thehand 71, and a front portion covering the palm or front of the hand 72.The glove body includes a forefinger stall (or digital segment) and athumb stall (digital segment) each adapted to receive a forefinger and athumb, respectively, therein.

The glove does not comprise of finger stalls for a user's middle finger,ring finger or pinkie finger. Therefore, the middle finger, ring fingerand pinkie finger are all completely uncovered.

The distal ends of the dorsal portion 71 and palmar portion 72 of theglove body further provides three separate finger openings (or ringlets)75, 76, 77, where a user's middle finger, ring finger and pinkie fingermay extend through said glove body and thereby being completelyuncovered by said glove body.

In the illustrated embodiment, the glove is constructed such that thethumb 73 and forefinger 74 digital segments enclose said thumb andforefinger, including enclosing the fingertips. The glove does not havea middle finger stall, a ring finger stall or a pinkie finger stall.Therefore, the middle finger, ring finger and pinkie finger are allessentially completely uncovered.

The palmar section covers the palm of the hand 72; the dorsal sectioncovers the back of the hand 71. The glove also has a wrist portion thatsurrounds the wrist of a user.

The thumb stall 73 is defined by a dorsal portion 78 and a palmarportion 79. The forefinger stall 74 is defined by a dorsal portion 80and a palmar portion 81. The middle finger stall 75 is defined by adorsal portion 82 and a palmar portion 83. An separate opening isprovided for the middle finger 75, the ring finger 76, and the pinkiefinger 77. The wrist portion is preferably expansible so as to hold moresecurely to the user's wrist. Therefore the embodiment also has anexpandable opening means 88 at a wrist end 89 adapted to receive theuser's hand. The expandable opening means comprises an elastic materialalong the wrist portion, such as an elastomeric band 88 fixed around thewrist. If desired, the opening means may comprise a strap means at theopen end of the glove body for fastening the glove body secure about thewrist area. The strap may have two pads of cohesive-adhesive materialfor releasably securing the strap. The strap as well as the wristportion may be sewn onto the glove.

This embodiment further shows how the present invention may comprise aGrip Enhancing Means 82. Although the embodiment now provides a highercoefficient of friction on the throwing hand of a quarterback or on agolfer's dominant hand, one may now further increase grip areas byadding a Grip Enhancing Means on select areas or on the entire palmarsurface of the glove.

In the illustrated embodiment, the Grip Enhancing Means comprises a highfriction surface 90 formed on the entire palmar surface of the glove 72,including the palmar surfaces of the thumb segment 79 and on any palmarportion of the existing forefinger segment 81. Preferably, the highfriction surface is formed from a PVC material, a latex material, or arubber material. The surface may include a depression or projectionpattern formed from the high friction material. Formed on this materialis a plurality of projections 91 that are applied to the entire palmarsurface area by any standard mechanisms. These square-like projectionspreferably are spaced apart to allow for added grip and flexibility. Therubber palmar surface can then be conjoined to the dorsal surface, forexample, thus creating the glove.

The dorsal surface may comprise of a different material than the palmarsurface, such as a more durable fabric, but would preferably also berather flexible. If the dorsal surface is comprised of more durablefabrics, such as synthetic leather, then some added elasticitycapabilities may be also preferable, though not required, on select areaof the dorsal surface, in particular around the metacarpophalangealjoints. For example, the dorsal surface may comprise of an aperture onthe forefinger's metacarpophalangeal joint, the middle finger'smetacarpophalangeal joint, the ring finger's metacarpophalangeal joint,and on the pinkie finger's metacarpophalangeal joint (as seen 93 and 94on FIG. 12). Alternatively, embodiments may simply comprise of a moreelastic material of the dorsal surface overlaying saidmetacarpophalangeal joints while the rest of the dorsal surface iscomprised of a more durable material. Additionally, said joints maysimply have protrusions molded into the dorsal surface thereby allowingadded flexibility along select areas of the hand (as seen 166 on FIG.11).

Embodiments may also preferably comprise of a Shock-Absorbing Member 83(or members) along any portion of the dorsal surface, such as any or allexisting finger or thumb stalls, along the dorsal surface overlaying anyor all of the metacarpals, along any of the carpometacarpal joints, orcombinations thereof. In at least one embodiment a Shock-AbsorbingMember is secured along substantially the entire dorsal segment. TheShock-Absorbing Member would then essentially mirror the dorsal surfacedesign, and can be configured as a one pad segment. Other embodimentsmay preferably cover the dorsal segment as separate padding segments,for example, to allow for significant finger flexibility by having onepad overlaying only the proximal phalanges, a second pad overlaying onlythe distal phalanges, and a third pad overlaying the metacarpals of anyexisting finger segments. A separate pad segment may also overlay thewrist portion, such as a crescent shaped pad surrounding themetacarpalcarpal joints or the carpal bone, in part or in theirentirety.

The illustrated embodiment has Shock-Absorbing Members alongsubstantially the dorsal surface overlaying the forefinger 80. TheShock-Absorbing Member overlaying only the forefinger's proximal phalanxis in the pattern of a rectangle 85, and is configured as a one padsegment 87. The Shock-Absorbing Member overlaying the forefinger'sproximal interphalangeal joint area is in the pattern of a square 84,and is configured as a one pad segment 86. Other embodiments may preferto combine the entire area as one padding segment, for example, to allowfor added protection throughout the forefinger.

As mentioned, the Shock-Absorbing Member may be affixed to the glove byany standard methods of attachment, such as by stitching or adhesion.For example, it can be in the form of pouches 122 or attachments to theglove, said pouches containing the padding, and then bonding saidpouches to the back of the glove, using heat sealing or other standardmethods.

The pouches may be constructed using standard material, such as flexiblerubber or plastics, or made of the same material forming the dorsalsurface of the glove.

The Shock-Absorbing Members may alternatively be integral with thematerial that form the glove, and may be applied to the glove bystandard methods and forms of attachment methods as aforementioned.

The thickness of the padding in this embodiment may vary, beginning atabout ¼ inch or more, and made of any material aforementioned. Thelength of the embodiment Shock-Absorbing Members are generallyrestricted to the length of the forefinger segment extending from theglove and, as mentioned, the dorsal surface area of the forefingersegment—allowing for the Shock-Absorbing Member to extendcircumferentially along the sides of the forefinger segment but notextending onto the palmar surface of the forefinger segment.

The palmar and dorsal surfaces, and any wrist portions, may be joinedtogether using any standard methods, such as by stitching, thus defininga pocket for receiving a user's hand.

Referring now to FIG. 7 is a picture of John Elway's hall of famefootball grip and captures a standard method of preparing to throw afootball. As one can see, Elway's glove-less throwing hand has hismiddle finger and ring finger overlaying the football laces, while histhumb, forefinger and pinkie fingers are holding the football as bestthey can.

FIG. 8 and FIG. 9 show an alternative dorsal segment to FIG. 1.Embodiments may also preferably comprise of a Shock-Absorbing Member 111along any portion of the dorsal surface, such as any or all existingfinger or thumb stalls, along the dorsal surface overlaying any or allof the metacarpals, along any of the carpometacarpal joints, orcombinations thereof. In the illustrated embodiment, a Shock-AbsorbingMember is secured along substantially all of the dorsal surfaceoverlaying the thumb 18. The Shock-Absorbing Member overlaying the thumbis in the pattern of a diamond 100, and is configured as a one padsegment 101. Other embodiments may prefer to may do so as separatepadding segments, for example, to allow for significant fingerflexibility by having one pad overlaying only the proximal phalanx, anda second pad overlaying only the distal phalanx of the thumb. By notcovering any of the thumb joints you have added flexibility but lessprotection.

The length of the Shock-Absorbing Member of this embodiment is furtherrestricted to the length of the thumb segment extending from the glove102 and 103 and, as mentioned, the dorsal surface area of the thumbsegment 18—allowing for the Shock-Absorbing Member to extendcircumferentially along the sides of the thumb segment but not extendingonto the palmar surface of the thumb segment, therefore not extendingover one hundred and eighty degrees of the digital segment.

This embodiment also has a Shock-Absorbing Member along substantiallyall of the dorsal surface overlaying the forefinger 20. TheShock-Absorbing Member overlaying the forefinger is in the pattern of arectangle 104, and is configured as a one pad segment 105. Otherembodiments may prefer to may do so as separate padding segments, forexample, to allow for significant finger flexibility by having one padoverlaying only the proximal phalanx, a second pad overlaying only themiddle phalanx, and a third pad overlaying only the distal phalanx ofthe forefinger. By not covering any of the forefinger joints you haveadded flexibility but less protection.

The length of the Shock-Absorbing Member of this embodiment is furtherrestricted to the length of the forefinger segment 106 and 107 extendingfrom the glove and, as mentioned, the dorsal surface area of theforefinger segment 20—allowing for the Shock-Absorbing Member to extendcircumferentially along the sides of the forefinger segment but notextending onto the palmar surface of the forefinger segment. Thethickness of this and other padding in this embodiment may vary, atleast about ¼ inch in thickness, and made of any materialaforementioned.

This embodiment also has a Shock-Absorbing Member 111 alongsubstantially all of the dorsal surface overlaying the metacarpals of auser's four fingers 115. The Shock-Absorbing Member overlaying the fourmetacarpals is in the pattern of a rectangle 116, and is configured as aone pad segment 117. Other embodiments may prefer to comprise of paddingsegments overlaying this area, for example, to allow for significantfinger flexibility by having one pad overlaying only the top half of themetacarpals—the portion closest to the fingers, and a second padoverlaying the bottom half of the metacarpals—the portion closest to thewrist area. The length and width of the Shock-Absorbing Member of thisembodiment is generally restricted to the dorsal portion of the gloveoverlaying the metacarpal bones of a user's hand 118, 119, 120, and 121,in part or in their entirety. Of course, users may prefer anycombination of the aforementioned, and may also include aShock-Absorbing Member secured to the thumb metacarpal bone. Thethickness of this padded segment may preferably be ¼ inch or more toprovide more protection than over the digital segments, especially if aquarterback rushes relatively often.

The Shock-Absorbing Members of this embodiment may comprise of apolyester fiber 101, 105, and 115, for example, of a neoprene material,or of any other material aforementioned.

As mentioned, the Shock-Absorbing Member may be affixed to the glove byany standard methods of attachment, such as by stitching or adhesion.For example, it can be in the form of pouches (as seen 122 of FIG. 6) orattachments to the glove, said pouches containing the Shock-AbsorbingMember, and then bonding said pouches to the back of the glove, usingheat sealing or other methods. The pouches may be constructed usingstandard material, such as flexible rubber or plastics, or made of thesame material forming the dorsal surface of the glove.

As illustrated, the Shock-Absorbing Member is integral with the materialthat form the glove, and may be applied to select areas of the glove bystandard methods such as, for example, by the dorsal segment 11comprising of a vinyl sheet material with a stretch nylon backing andthe liner (or sleeve) 123 made of a knit of polyester. The liner ispositioned along the inner surface of the dorsal segment 125 of theglove whereby the padded layer 105 or layers would be inserted and thensealed. The cushions may also be secured to the glove by conventionalstitching 124.

The liner 123 can be interposed between the Shock-Absorbing Member andthe interior of the glove, and separate the Shock-Absorbing Member fromthe user's hand, fingers, thumb and metacarpals, such as disclosedabove, and allow easy insertion of the user's hand. Preferably, theliner is fixed to the dorsal segment interior using methods known in theart, such as stitching, to fix the Shock-Absorbing Member to the glove.The liner secures the Shock-Absorbing Member between the user's hand andthe dorsal segment. Of course, other methods of attachment that areknown in the art may be used.

The Shock-Absorbing Member will give the user added protection from theabrasion from hitting the hand against the helmet of an opponent, forexample. As shown, the present invention can offer the unique ability ofbeing able to protect a hand while maintaining grip capabilities byoffering padded layer or layers, a significant and substantialadvancement to prior art, such as bandages and BAND-AID, thus providinga solution to a long-felt need of being able to protect a quarterback'sthrowing hand.

The illustrated dorsal segment may be constructed of the same materialas that of FIG. 2, or may be of a thicker, more durable material, suchas a synthetic leather for added protection, or may be constructed withany other material aforementioned. The dorsal segment may be joined tothe palmar segment, as described in FIG. 1 by methods known in the artsuch as by sewing, to form an opening for receiving the user's hand.

The wrist portion is preferably expansible so as to hold more securelyto the user's wrist. Therefore the embodiment also has an expandableopening means 29 at a wrist end adapted to receive the user's hand. Theexpandable opening means comprises an elastic material along the wristportion, such as an elastomeric band 29 fixed around the wrist. Ifdesired, the opening means may comprise a strap means at the open end ofthe glove body for fastening the glove body secure about the wrist area.The strap means may be unitary with the glove body and may includeVELCRO fasteners, buttons, and the like or other suitable closure meansthereon.

FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of FIG. 8, showing the liner.Specifically, the illustration shows the forefinger stall 20, wherebythe Shock-Absorbing Member 105 lies between the inner surface 125 of thedorsal segment 11 and the liner 123. The thickness of theShock-Absorbing Member 105 can vary by user preference. The thickness ofthis embodiment is about ¼ inch for example. The Shock-Absorbing Membermay be constructed with known material as those aforementioned, such ascotton, for example. Preferably, the liner is fixed to the dorsalsegment interior using methods known in the art, such as stitching, tofix the Shock-Absorbing Member to the glove.

FIG. 10 is an alternative dorsal segment to FIG. 5. Embodiments may alsopreferably comprise of a Shock-Absorbing Member along any portion of thedorsal surface, such as any or all existing finger or thumb stalls,along the dorsal surface overlaying any or all of the metacarpals, orcombinations thereof. In the illustrated embodiment, the glove isconstructed such that the thumb 78 and forefinger 80 digital segmentsenclose a user's thumb and forefinger, including enclosing thefingertips. As aforementioned, the glove does not cover any portion of auser's middle finger, ring finger of pinkie finger. The glove provides aseparate ringlet opening for a user's middle finger 75, ring finger 76and pinkie finger 77.

The dorsal section of the glove covers most of the back of the hand 71.The glove also has a wrist portion that surrounds the wrist of a user.

This embodiment has a Shock-Absorbing Member along substantially all ofthe proximal phalanx 130 dorsal surface overlaying the thumb 78. TheShock-Absorbing Member overlaying the thumb is in the pattern of arectangle 131, and is configured as a one pad segment 131. Otherembodiments may prefer to offer additional separate padding segments,for example, with a second pad overlaying only the distal phalanx of thethumb. The length of the Shock-Absorbing Member is further restricted tothe length of the protrusion 133 along the proximal phalanx of the thumbstall, and, as mentioned, the dorsal surface area of the thumb segment78—allowing for the Shock-Absorbing Member to extend circumferentiallyalong the sides of the thumb segment but not extending onto the palmarsurface of the thumb segment, therefore not extending over one hundredand eighty degrees of the digital segment.

This embodiment has a Shock-Absorbing Member 150 along substantially allof the dorsal surface overlaying the forefinger 80. The Shock-AbsorbingMember overlaying the forefinger is in the pattern of a rectangle 151,is an elongated pad, and is configured as a one pad segment 151, and isdefined by the length and width of the forefinger segment's dorsalsurface.

This embodiment has a second layer Shock-Absorbing Member alongsubstantially all of the proximal phalanx 136 dorsal surface overlayingthe forefinger 80. The Shock-Absorbing Member overlaying the forefingeris in the pattern of a square 137, and is configured as a one padsegment 137. Other embodiments may prefer to offer additional separatepadding segments, for example, with a second pad overlaying only themiddle phalanx, and a third pad overlaying only the distal phalanx. Thelength of the second layer Shock-Absorbing Member is further restrictedto the length of the protrusion 139 along the proximal phalanx onforefinger stall and, as mentioned, the dorsal surface area of theforefinger segment 80—allowing for the Shock-Absorbing Member to extendcircumferentially along the sides of the thumb segment but not extendingonto the palmar surface of the thumb segment, therefore not extendingover one hundred and eighty degrees of the digital segment.

This embodiment also has a Shock-Absorbing Member along substantiallyall of the dorsal surface overlaying the metacarpals of a user's fourfingers. The Shock-Absorbing Member overlaying the four metacarpals isin the pattern of a rectangle 163, and is configured as a one padsegment 162. Other embodiments may prefer to may do so as separatepadding segments, for example, to allow for significant fingerflexibility by having one pad encased and protruding from only the tophalf of the metacarpals—the portion closest to the fingers, and a secondpad encased and protruding from the bottom half of the metacarpals—theportion closest to the wrist area. The length and width of theShock-Absorbing Member is generally restricted to the protrusion on thedorsal portion of the glove overlaying the metacarpal bones of the hand,and can also include the thumb metacarpal, in part or in its entirety.Of course, users may prefer any combination of the aforementioned.

Finally, the wrist portion also comprises a Shock-Absorbing Member thatprotrudes on the dorsal segment 164 and 159, along about one inch of auser's carpals 165. This will give the user added protection from theabrasion along the carpometacarpal joints when hitting the ground orwhile the quarterback rushes with the football.

The Shock-Absorbing Members may comprise any type of cloth fabric, likea cushion, or foam, such as an open cell foam 150. The Shock-AbsorbingMember need not be very thick, say beginning from about six hundredmicrometers 150 to ¼ inch 167 or so. The thickness of pads for examplemay vary on several factors, of course, such as degree of preferredprotection (e.g., the more a quarterback rushes with the football, thethicker padding he may desire) & location of the pads (e.g., padding ononly the pinkie metacarpal where many quarterback hand injuries occur).Each Shock-Absorbing Member may comprise of one foam pad or a pluralityof small pads to maximize flexibility. A second layer Shock-AbsorbingMember may also be offered. The second (or multiple) layer maypreferably be of the same material but also may be thicker or moreresilient to better protrude.

The Shock-Absorbing Member may be stitched on or may be integral to theglove. This can be done by standard methods. The illustration shows theShock-Absorbing Member integrally formed on the glove. For example, thedorsal segment of the glove 71 comprises preferably a flexible,integrally molded member which has a tougher outer protective membrane71 and a smoother hand-contacting inner membrane, such as a liner 170 orsleeve, membranes 71 and 170 being connected together around theperipheral edge of the member 172. Inner membrane 170 is generally flatand outer membrane has one or a plurality of discreet shock-absorbingprotective protrusions, 133, 139, 159, 163, 164, and 166.

For example, the Shock-Absorbing Member may comprise a thick layer ofresilient plastic foam material, such as ½ inch polyethylene foam sheet,which is interposed between outer membrane and inner membrane to providea composite laminated sheet which is then molded. Outer membrane is of asuitable plastic material such as vinyl sheet material with a stretchnylon backing. Inner membrane is preferably of double knit polyester orother suitable textile material to minimize abrasion of hand. Thecomposite laminate sheet can then be molded to form the spacing betweenprotrusions, by pressing outer membrane toward inner membrane. Thedimensions of the compartments (or protrusions) would be of sufficientmanner to house the pads.

The wrist portion is preferably expansible so as to hold more securelyto the user's wrist. Therefore the embodiment also has an expandableopening means 88 at a wrist end 89 adapted to receive the user's hand.The expandable opening means comprises an elastic material along thewrist portion, such as an elastomeric band 88 fixed around the wrist. Ifdesired, the expandable opening means may comprise a strap means at theopen end of the glove body for fastening the glove body secure about thewrist area. The strap means may comprise two pads of cohesive-adhesivematerial for releasably securing the strap, for example. The strap aswell as the wrist portion may be sewn onto the glove.

Additionally, this embodiment is configured such that a secondprotrusion exists on the proximal interphalangeal joint of theforefinger's dorsal surface 166. This protrusion does not contain asecond Shock-Absorbing Member thus providing the user with addedflexibility capabilities along the interphalangeal joint of theforefinger, especially beneficial if the dorsal segment is generallyconstructed with a more durable material, such as a leather latex glove.

Furthermore, embodiments such as this may be coated with a waterrepellant substance throughout the glove, such as a synthetic resin, forexample. This feature will further enhance a user's ability to maintaincontrol of a football during rainy conditions.

FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of FIG. 10, showing the liner andprotrusions. Specifically, the illustration shows the forefinger stall80, whereby the Shock-Absorbing Member 150 lies between the innersurface 172 of the dorsal segment 71 and the liner 170. The thickness ofthe Shock-Absorbing Member can vary by user preference, such as about ¼inch for example. The Shock-Absorbing Member may be constructed withknown material and those aforementioned, such as cotton, for example.Preferably, the liner is fixed to the dorsal segment interior usingmethods known in the art, such as stitching, to fix the Shock-AbsorbingMember to the glove.

This embodiment has a second layer Shock-Absorbing Member along, and isbounded by, the proximal phalanx 136 dorsal surface overlaying theforefinger 80. The Shock-Absorbing Member overlaying the forefinger isin the pattern of a square 137, and is configured as a one pad segment138. Other embodiments may prefer to offer additional separate paddingsegments, for example, with a second pad overlaying only the middlephalanx, and a third pad overlaying only the distal phalanx. The lengthof the second layer Shock-Absorbing Member is further restricted to theprotrusion 139 along the proximal phalanx on forefinger segment, sayabout 0.20 inch or more in height for example and, as mentioned, thedorsal surface area of the forefinger segment 80—allowing for theShock-Absorbing Member to extend circumferentially along the sides ofthe thumb segment but not extending onto the palmar surface of the thumbsegment, therefore not extending over one hundred and eighty degrees ofthe digital segment.

Additionally, the embodiment is configured such that a second protrusionexists on the proximal interphalangeal joint of the forefinger's dorsalsurface 166. This protrusion does not contain a second Shock-AbsorbingMember thus providing the user with added flexibility capabilities alongthe interphalangeal joint, especially beneficial if the dorsal segmentis generally constructed with a more durable material, such as a leatherlatex glove.

Also, the liner may be made of a fleece material 170 thus offeringadditional comfort and warmth for the user, especially during rainyconditions.

FIG. 12 is a side view of the glove embodiment comprised of FIG. 10(dorsal segment) and FIG. 5 (palmar segment). The illustration shows theprotrusion on the thumb stall 133, the protrusions on the forefingerstall 139 and 166, the protrusion on the four finger metacarpals 163,and the protrusions on the wrist segment 159 and 164. The protrusionsmay have various dimensions of course. The illustrated protrusions havea height of about 0.20 of an inch, for example. As mentioned, thisembodiment could also prove beneficial with the apertures on theknuckles 93, 94, 95, and 96.

FIG. 13 is another cross-sectional view of FIG. 8, showing the liner.Specifically, the illustration shows the thumb stall 18, whereby theShock-Absorbing Member 100 lies between the inner surface 225 of thedorsal segment 11 and the liner 223. The thickness of theShock-Absorbing Member 100 can vary by user preference. The thickness ofthis embodiment is about ¼ inch for example. The Shock-Absorbing Membermay be constructed with known material as those aforementioned, such ascotton, for example. Preferably, the liner is fixed to the dorsalsegment interior using methods known in the art, such as stitching, tofix the Shock-Absorbing Member to the glove.

In the illustrated embodiment, a Shock-Absorbing Member is secured alongsubstantially all of the dorsal surface overlaying the thumb 18. TheShock-Absorbing Member overlaying the thumb is in the pattern of adiamond 100, and is configured as a one pad segment 101. Otherembodiments may prefer to may do so as separate padding segments, forexample, to allow for significant finger flexibility by having one padoverlaying only the proximal phalanx, and a second pad overlaying onlythe distal phalanx of the thumb. By not covering any of the thumb jointsyou have added flexibility but less protection.

As illustrated, the Shock-Absorbing Member is integral with the materialthat form the glove, and may be applied to select areas of the glove bystandard methods such as, for example, by the dorsal segment 11comprising of a vinyl sheet material with a stretch nylon backing andthe liner (or sleeve) 223 made of a knit of polyester. The liner ispositioned along the inner surface of the dorsal segment 225 of theglove whereby the padded layer 100 or layers would be inserted and thensealed. The cushions may also be secured to the glove by conventionalstitching 224.

The liner 223 can be interposed between the Shock-Absorbing Member andthe interior of the glove, and separate the Shock-Absorbing Member fromthe user's hand, fingers, thumb and metacarpals, such as disclosedabove, and allow easy insertion of the user's hand. Preferably, theliner is fixed to the dorsal segment interior using methods known in theart, such as stitching, to fix the Shock-Absorbing Member to the glove.The liner secures the Shock-Absorbing Member between the user's hand andthe dorsal segment. Of course, other methods of attachment that areknown in the art may be used.

FIG. 14 is another cross-sectional view of FIG. 10, showing the linerand protrusions. Specifically, the illustration shows the thumb stall78, whereby the Shock-Absorbing Member 131 lies between the innersurface 172 of the dorsal segment 71 and the liner 170. The thickness ofthe Shock-Absorbing Member can vary by user preference, such as about ¼inch for example. The Shock-Absorbing Member may be constructed withknown material and those aforementioned, such as cotton, for example.Preferably, the liner is fixed to the dorsal segment interior usingmethods known in the art, such as stitching, to fix the Shock-AbsorbingMember to the glove.

Additionally, the embodiment may be configured such that a secondprotrusion exists on the proximal interphalangeal joint of the thumb'sdorsal surface. This protrusion would not contain a secondShock-Absorbing Member thus providing the user with added flexibilitycapabilities along the interphalangeal joint, especially beneficial ifthe dorsal segment is generally constructed with a more durablematerial, such as a leather latex glove.

Also, the liner may be made of a fleece material 170 thus offeringadditional comfort and warmth for the user, especially during rainyconditions.

I claim:
 1. A sports glove comprising a glove body with dorsal andpalmar portions for overlaying respective back and palm regions of auser's hand, the dorsal and palmar portions comprising distal andproximal ends with a plurality of digital stalls projecting from saiddistal ends, wherein the proximal ends of the dorsal and palmar portionscollectively define a glove body proximal end, and the distal ends ofthe dorsal and palmar portions collectively define a glove body distalend; said dorsal portion is adapted to cover the back of the hand, andsaid palmar portion is adapted to cover the palm of the hand; saidplurality of digital stalls includes a forefinger stall and a thumbstall each adapted to receive a forefinger and thumb of the user's hand,respectively, therein, and each having a dorsal portion and a palmarportion; said glove body being adapted such that when the glove is worn,said forefinger stall and said thumb stall fully enclose said forefingerand thumb, including enclosing the fingertips of said forefinger andthumb of the user, respectively; at least two separate ringlets areprovided on said glove body distal end, such that when the glove isworn, at least the user's ring finger and pinkie finger individuallyextend through said ringlets; wherein said glove is adapted to leaveessentially completely uncovered the ring finger; wherein said glove isadapted to leave essentially completely uncovered the pinkie finger;and, wherein said glove further comprises of at least one shockabsorbing member on the dorsal portion of said glove body that isadapted to absorb impact from opposing players or from hitting theground, thereby configured to provide the user with added protectionfrom abrasion along the back of the user's hand during active sportsplay; and wherein one of the at least one shock absorbing member ispositioned to occupy a majority of a width of a transverse width and amajority of a length of a transverse length of the dorsal portion of theforefinger stall or the dorsal portion of the thumb stall.
 2. The gloveas claimed in claim 1, wherein said palmar portion further comprises aplurality of projections; wherein said grip enhancing means overlays atleast a portion or portions of said thumb and forefinger stalls, or anycombination thereof.
 3. The glove as claimed in claim 1, wherein said atleast one shock-absorbing member comprises a padded layer comprising ofa cloth, a foam, or a cotton; wherein said at least one shock-absorbingmember is at least ¼ inch in thickness; wherein said glove body dorsalportion overlays at least a metacarpal of the user's forefinger when theglove is worn; and, wherein one of said at least one shock-absorbingmember is configured to overlay more than one metacarpal of the user'shand when the glove is worn.
 4. The glove as claimed in claim 1, whereinsaid thumb stall further comprises a first side adjacent the forefingerstall, and a second side opposite said first side; and; wherein one ofthe at least one shock absorbing member is configured to overlay thethumb stall dorsal portion and extends to overlay one of the first orsecond sides of the thumb stall.
 5. The glove as claimed in claim 1,wherein said glove body further comprising of a wrist portion; whereinsaid wrist portion is designed to surround a wrist of the user when theglove is worn; and, wherein the wrist portion is expansible so as tohold securely to the user's wrist; and, wherein said glove body dorsalportion overlays a metacarpal of the user's forefinger, middle finger,ring finger and pinkie finger when the glove is worn; and, wherein saidat least one shock-absorbing member is positioned to overlay themetacarpals of the user's middle finger, and ring finger and pinkiefinger when the glove is worn; and, wherein said glove body palmarportion further comprises of a grip enhancing means; wherein said gripenhancing means comprises a plurality of projections or a plurality ofdepressions.
 6. The glove as claimed in claim 1, wherein said glove bodyfurther comprises a grip enhancing coating that is adapted to overlaythe palmar portion of said glove body.
 7. The glove as claimed in claim1, wherein said glove further comprises of a liner that is configured tobe interposed between the shock absorbing member or members and aninterior of the glove to secure the shock absorbing member or members tothe glove and allowing for easier insertion of the user's hand to theglove.
 8. A sports glove comprising a glove body with dorsal and palmarportions for overlaying respective back and palm regions of a user'shand, the dorsal and palmar portions comprising distal and proximal endswith a plurality of digital stalls projecting from said distal ends,wherein the proximal ends of the dorsal and palmar portions collectivelydefine a glove body proximal end, and the distal ends of the dorsal andpalmar portions collectively define a glove body distal end; said dorsalportion is adapted to cover the back of the hand, and said palmarportion is adapted to cover the palm of the hand; said plurality ofdigital stalls includes a forefinger finger stall and a thumb stall eachadapted to receive a forefinger and thumb of the user's hand,respectively, therein; said glove body being adapted such that when theglove is worn, said forefinger stall and said thumb stall fully enclosesaid forefinger and thumb, including enclosing the fingertips of saidforefinger and thumb of the user, respectively; at least two separateringlets are provided on said glove body distal end, such that when theglove is worn, at least the user's ring finger and pinkie fingerindividually extend through said ringlets; wherein said glove is adaptedto leave essentially completely uncovered the ring finger; wherein saidglove is adapted to leave essentially completely uncovered the pinkiefinger; and, wherein said glove further comprises of at least one shockabsorbing member that is adapted to dissipate pressure across a surfacearea during impact while engaged in sports activities; wherein said atleast one shock absorbing member is adapted to overlay at least aportion of the thumb or the forefinger of the user's hand when the gloveis worn, thereby providing added protection of said areas from abrasionfrom sports activities; and wherein said at least one shock absorbingmember is configured such that it said at least one shock absorbingmember does not overlay any portion of the user's middle finger, ringfinger or pinkie finger, thereby configured to provide said fingers withnecessary flexibility when engaging in active sports activities; andwherein one of the at least one shock absorbing members member ispositioned to occupy a majority of a width of a transverse width and amajority of a length of a transverse length of a dorsal portion of theforefinger stall or a dorsal portion of the thumb stall, and extendsalong a side of said respective thumb or forefinger stall.
 9. The gloveas claimed in claim 8, wherein a third separate ringlet is provided onsaid glove body distal end, such that when the glove is worn, a middlefinger of the user's hand individually extends through said thirdringlet; wherein said glove is adapted to leave essentially completelyuncovered the middle finger.
 10. The glove as claimed in claim 8,wherein said at least one shock absorbing member comprises of aplurality of discrete shock absorbing protective protrusions formed of acotton or a foam; and wherein said at least one shock absorbing memberis secured along a dorsal portion of the thumb stall.
 11. The glove asclaimed in claim 8, wherein one of the at least one shock absorbingmember is positioned to occupy the dorsal portion of the thumb stall andis positioned to occupy a majority of a width of a transverse width anda majority of a length of a transverse length of a dorsal portion ofsaid thumb stall and extends along a side of said thumb stall but doesnot extend to overlay the palmer portion of the thumb stall.
 12. Theglove as claimed in claim 8, wherein said one of at least one shockabsorbing member is adapted to overlay a dorsal portion of at least twometacarpals of the user's hand when the glove is worn; and wherein theat least one of the shock absorbing member overlaying multiplemetacarpals does not extend onto a palmar portion of the glove body. 13.The glove as claimed in claim 8, wherein said at least one shockabsorbing member includes a second shock absorbing member that isconfigured to overlay metacarpals of the user's four fingers when theglove is worn; wherein said second shock absorbing member consists of anelongated pad.
 14. The glove as claimed in claim 8, wherein said atleast one shock-absorbing member is integrally formed on a dorsalportion of the glove body; said glove further comprising a liner that isconfigured to extend over the back of the user's hand when the glove isworn; and wherein said glove further comprises an expandable openingmeans at a wrist end adapted to receive the user's hand.
 15. The gloveas claimed in claim 8, wherein said at least one shock absorbing memberis adapted to extend circumferentially along the thumb stall.
 16. Theglove as claimed in claim 8, wherein said at least one shock-absorbingmember comprises of one discrete shock-absorbing protective protrusionoverlaying the dorsal portion of said glove body; wherein said onediscrete shock absorbing member is designed to overlay more than onemetacarpophalangeal of the back of the user's hand when the glove isworn.
 17. The glove as claimed in claim 8, wherein said glove bodyfurther comprises of a grip enhancing means; wherein said grip enhancingmeans is located on the palmar portion of said glove body; and whereinsaid grip enhancing means is adapted to provide a higher coefficient offriction than the surrounding glove body; wherein said grip enhancingmeans consists of a plurality of projections, a plurality ofdepressions, or of a grip enhancing panel.
 18. A sports glove comprisinga glove body with dorsal and palmar portions for overlaying respectiveback and palm regions of a user's hand, the dorsal and palmar portionscomprising distal and proximal ends; wherein said glove body dorsalportion is configured to cover the back of the user's hand, and whereinsaid palmar portion is configured to cover the palm of the user's hand;wherein said glove body further includes a plurality of digital stallsprojecting from said distal ends; wherein the proximal ends of thedorsal and palmar portions collectively define a glove body proximal endand the distal ends of the dorsal and palmar portions collectivelydefine a glove body distal end; said dorsal portion is adapted to coverthe back of the hand, and said palmar portion is adapted to cover thepalm of the hand; said plurality of digital stalls includes a forefingerfinger stall and a thumb stall each adapted to receive a forefinger andthumb of the user's hand, respectively, therein; said glove body beingadapted such that when the glove is worn, said forefinger stall and saidthumb stall fully enclose said forefinger and thumb, including enclosingthe fingertips of said forefinger and thumb of the user, respectively;at least two separate ringlets are provided on said glove body distalend, such that when the glove is worn, at least the user's ring fingerand pinkie finger individually extend through said ringlets; whereinsaid glove is adapted to leave essentially completely uncovered the ringfinger; wherein said glove is adapted to leave essentially completelyuncovered the pinkie finger; and, wherein said glove further comprisesof at least one shock absorbing member; wherein said at least one shockabsorbing member is disposed along the glove dorsal portion and isadapted to overlay at least two metacarpals of the user's hand when theglove is worn, thereby providing added protection of said areas fromabrasion from sports activities; and, wherein said at least one shockabsorbing member is designed such that said at least one shock absorbingmember is configured to not overlay any portion of the user's middlefinger, ring finger or pinkie finger, thereby configured to provide saidfingers with necessary flexibility when engaging in active sportsactivities; wherein said at least one shock absorbing member isconfigured to not extend onto the palmar portion of the glove body; and,wherein one of the at least one shock absorbing member is positioned tooccupy a majority of a width of a transverse width and a majority of alength of a transverse length of the glove body dorsal portionoverlaying at least two metacarpals of the back of the user's hand,thereby overlaying a majority portion of multiple metacarpals of theback of the user's hand when the glove is worn.
 19. The glove as claimedin claim 18, wherein said at least one shock absorbing member is adaptedto overlay the forefinger stall; wherein said at least one shockabsorbing member is adapted to overlay a side of the forefinger stallbut not extend onto the palmar portion of the forefinger stall.
 20. Theglove as claimed in claim 18, wherein said at least one shock absorbingmember includes a second shock absorbing member; wherein said secondshock absorbing member is adapted to be is disposed along a dorsalportion of the thumb stall; and wherein said at least one shockabsorbing member further includes a third shock absorbing member and isdisposed along a dorsal portion of the forefinger stall; wherein allshock absorbing members are compressible and adapted to absorb impactreceived from opposing players or from falling during sports play; and,wherein said glove further comprises of a liner that is configured to beinterposed between the shock absorbing members and an interior of theglove and is further configured to overlay the back of the user's handwhen the glove is worn.